Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari Mourn Teammate Christian Atsu
Former Sunderland player and Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan mourned his teammate Christian Atsu at his home in Accra Ghana. Christian Atsu's body was found on February 18th under rubble, two weeks after an earthquake hit Turkey and Syria killing over forty thousand people.
His body was flown to his native country Ghana by v e president Mahamudu Bawumia's plane.
“I was in the house of our brother Christian Atsu, to commiserate with them. Rest in the bosom of the lord my brother” Wrote footballer Gyan on his Twitter Account.
Astu played for Black Stars 65 times and scored 10 goals, he was named player of the tournament in the Africa Cup Nations in 2015 between Ivory Coast and Ghana which ended on penalties with Cote D`Ivoire winning the title at Equatorial Guinea.
In a tribute to the Hatayspor winger, Ghana national team praised him for representing his country well.
“You served our country well, forever in our hearts. Rest in peace” Ghana Black Stars tweeted on 18th February 2023.
Various clubs which Atsu played in the English Premier League also mourned Him by displaying his image in the stadium. On Saturday's early kick-off between Chelsea and Southampton, both teams celebrated the player by observing a one-minute moment of silence in his honor.
“You are in our thoughts, Christian”. Chelsea tweet.
Atsu played for Chelsea from 2013- 2017 before joining Newcastle where he played for the Toons for five seasons. According to Newcastle, he has been praised as a great talent.
“A talented player and a special person”. Newcastle United Spokesperson wrote.
Before he met his death, Atsu scored a winning goal for his club Hatayspor against Kasimpasa on February 5th a day before the earthquake. Atsu was known as a true Christian and he was involved in various works of charity.
Other players who mourned Atsu include Sulley Muntari, a former Portsmouth player during the 2007/ 2008 season, who praised him as a caring person who could light the dressing room before playing.
“I have lost words to describe how I am feeling right now since I heard the sad news about Atsu. Atsu was a great teammate and brother, he always cared for everyone around the team and always had the smile that lit up the room.” Said Sulley Muntari,
“I am for his family, children and friends, may Allah give you all the strength during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace my brother”. The statement added.
The 31 years old is expected to be given a state burial on March 4, 2023 as confirmed by the country`s vice president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He las left behind his wife Marie- Claire Rupio and three children.
