Christian Atsu: Ghana soccer star laid to rest

Accra GHANA — Ghana soccer star Christian Atsu has been laid to rest in his hometown of Ada on Ghana’s southeast coast.

Ghanaians gather to pay their final respects to the former national team attacker, who died after his building collapsed following Türkiye’s February 6 earthquakes.

Tributes were paid to the former Newcastle winger with calls to keep alive the legacy of the player who “gave his life to humanity”.

At the state-assisted funeral held on the forecourt of Accra’s State House on Friday, Atsu’s widow Marie-Claire Rupio broke down while reading a tribute, saying he left with a part of her.

“In life I love you darling, in death I’ll do the same,” read the tearful tribute from the footballer’s widow, Marie-Claire Rupio.

“You did not go alone for part of me went with you. Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you, you are always so full of life,” Rupio said.

“You seemed to be immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in our children’s smile.”

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo was among hundreds of mourners who paid their last respects at the funeral. Vice President Maha Mudu Bawumia, former President John Mahama and government ministers all attended the service at State House, the seat of the West African nation’s parliament.

Representatives of Ghana’s national team and Atsu’s Turkish club Hatayspor were also at the ceremony for a man seen by many as a national hero.

“Even at the peak of his career, Astu remained himself and was never overtaken by pride, arrogance or indiscipline,” Sport Minister Mustapha Ussif told mourners. “His legacy will remain as an inspiration.”

Traditional performers were among those paying tribute while former team mates wore black-shirts with images of Atsu on the front. Grieving fans lined up to see his coffin which lay under a white marquee tent.

Atsu’s casket was draped in the red, yellow and green flag of Ghana and was carried by soldiers wearing blue dress uniforms with white belts. It was laid on a podium surrounded by white flowers.

Many Ghanaians said that Atsu will be remembered for his love for humanity, and for supporting the underprivileged in the country.

Hundreds of mourners and well-wishers filed past Atsu’s body on Tuesday to say their farewells. Drumming and brass bands have been part of the colourful cultural display at an otherwise solemn event.

Beyond the pitch, Atsu was admired and loved for his philanthropic activities including giving scholarships to poor schoolchildren in Ghana and also paying fines for prisoners to gain their freedom.

Atsu previously played for Cheetah FC, Rio Ave, FC Porto, AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC, and Malaga CF. He spent most of his career playing in the English Premier League for clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton.

He made 65 appearances for Ghana and played at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea where he was named the best player of the tournament.

Atsu was also a member of Ghana’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Atsu’s body was recovered from the rubble of his apartment building on February 18 following the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit southern Türkiye and Syria on February 6, killing more than 50,000 people in both countries.

It was returned to Ghana almost a month ago.