President Nana Akufo-Addo has poured his heartfelt condolences after the death of Ghana international footballer Christian Atsu.
The winger was found dead after a double earthquake struck Turkey, where he played for Hatayspor.
The body of the 31-year-old was recovered on Saturday, February 2023, after 12 days of a frantic search for survivors by rescues.
President Akufo-Addo took to Facebook to commiserate with the bereaved family.
Using Bible quotations, he said: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away”… Job 1:21”.
He continued: “On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, on the sad news of his death.
“Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace. He will be sorely missed.
“May his soul rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!”
Atsu was trapped in the rubble with the club’s sporting director, Taner Savut.
Confirming the unfortunate news, Atsu’s agent, Murat Uzunmehmet, tweeted, “Christian Atsu was found and unfortunately passed away.”
Atsu moved to Turkey last September and scored his first goal for Hatayspor just hours before the devastating earthquake.
To date, the disaster has claimed the lives of over 40,000 individuals as the affected area spanned from Turkey to Syria.
The former Everton winger is famously remembered for winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] best player.
Atsu was part of the Black Stars squad that featured at the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
World football governing Fifa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Ghana Football Association (GAF) have all expressed their condolences.
