Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United have paid tribute to the late Christian Atsu.
In a post on X, a former Twitter user mourned with the family of the late footballer.
Today, February 6, marks exactly one year since the former Ghana international was tragically confirmed dead following an earthquake in Turkey, which claimed numerous lives.
One year ago today we tragically lost Christian Atsu.
Our thoughts will always remain with Christian’s family and friends. 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/16E2pG0Lu8
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 6, 2024
Atsu was unfortunately found lifeless in the rubble of Hatayspor’s headquarters in Antakya after the earthquake, despite initial hopes of his survival.
Scheduled to depart southern Turkey just hours before the quake, Atsu opted to stay with the club after scoring the winning goal in a match on February 5.
One year ago we sadly lost Christian Atsu in the most tragic of circumstances.
An incredible person who is fondly remembered by everyone at Newcastle United. Our thoughts are forever with Christian’s family and friends.
Oh he is so wonderful. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/C1IwQBAAgQ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 6, 2024
His body was repatriated from Turkey to Ghana on February 20.
A week-long observance in honour of Christian Atsu took place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Adjiringanor AstroTurf in Accra, Ghana.
On March 17, 2023, Atsu was given a state-assisted funeral at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before being laid to rest in his hometown, Dogobome in Ada Foah.
Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo remarked, “Football has lost one of its finest ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace.”
Atsu, who earned 69 caps for Ghana with 9 goals to his credit, had notable stints with Porto, Vitesse, Bournemouth, Málaga, Al-Raed, and Hatayspor.
Despite Ghana’s loss to the Ivory Coast in the finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea, Atsu won the Best Player of the Tournament.
