Massive dismissal for Christian Atsu in Ghana

This Friday, Christian Atsuwho passed away on February 6 in Turkey after a strong earthquake hit the country in which he was playing. A state funeral (a public ceremony honoring political figures such as the heads of state or government of a nation, and sometimes other persons of national importance) was held, attended by hundreds of people.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and former President John Mahama, as well as government ministers attended the service at State House, which is home to the West African country’s parliament. Atsu’s coffin was draped with the country’s red, yellow and green flag and carried by soldiers wearing blue uniforms with white belts.. The coffin was placed on the podium with white flowers.

Widow Marie Claire Rupio began to read a tribute to the former player, but was unable to continue due to tears and Atsu’s sister ended the speech. “In life I loved you, in death I will do the same. It breaks my heart to lose you“, began. Furthermore, he added: “You didn’t go alone. Part of me went with you. Your love continues to guide me, even though I cannot see you. I see your smile, your love in the smile of your children”. Atsu, 31, had three children with Rupio.

Atsu’s remains were recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building in the Turkish city of Antakya on February 18.nearly two weeks after an earthquake struck southern Turkey, killing more than 52,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

Atsu joined the Antakya club Hatayspor at the end of last year and scored the winning goal for his new team in the league on February 5, hours before the earthquake that struck in the early hours of February 6.

He made over 60 appearances for the Ghana national team, scoring on his debut at the age of 20 in 2012. He was part of the team that played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and starred in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with two goals to help Ghana reach the final, which they lost to the Ivory Coast.