A charity supporting underprivileged orphans in Ghana paid tribute to soccer player Christian Atsu after it was confirmed he was one of the 40,000 killed in the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
The 31-year-old former Everton and Newcastle player who joined Turkish club Hatayspor in September was confirmed on Saturday after his body was found in the ruins of a building in earthquake-hit Antakya. Hours before the earthquake, Atsu scored the winning goal for the team in a Super League game.
The player’s remains were flown back to Ghana on Sunday, the country’s foreign minister said, “accompanied by his family and the Ghanaian ambassador to Turkey.”
The charity Arms Around The Child paid tribute to the player who has been their ambassador since 2016 and the “chief benefactor” of a school and home in Senya Beraku, Ghana that supports abandoned children, orphans and the chronically ill. and those rescued from human trafficking.
They praised his journey as “a boy from poverty in Ghana who followed his dreams and used his talent and platform to help others,” adding, “He raised the children in our home in Senya Beraku, Ghana, which he visited many times.
“He regularly arranged for gifts and football uniforms to be sent home and developed a very close bond with the children.”
Atsu grew up in the village of Ada Foa in Ghana. Born to a family of farmers, his father died when he was a teenager and his own family had “very little money and very little food”, but his football talent eventually led him to the pinnacle of the sport, representing Ghana internationally.
A spokesman for the charity added: “Whenever Christian came to Senya, the children and the community were always so happy to see him. They would hail him as a hero, and also as a father, uncle or brother, because everyone loved him very much.
“He greeted everyone with smiles and hugs and made every person – child and adult – feel important, dream and succeed in life. Christian loved children and always took off his shoes to play football barefoot, which he liked to do when he came to visit.
“The children looked up to him with respect, he showed them that they can dream of a better future and that dreams can be achieved through education.
“That’s why Christian was so passionate about building the school: he believed in education for all, especially as a way to solve problems and give children a bright future.”
“Christian was the main promoter of the new school buildings in Senja. He always wanted to know how the children were doing and we kept him updated regularly on the progress of the school, which is finally nearing completion after many years of construction.”
Atsu previously said of his visits, “I’m very happy to help because I know they really need me in a situation like this. I want to help them and also inspire them. I want her to smile. They are always happy to see me.”
Hatayspor, who also lost several full-time and young players in the earthquake, said: “We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful man. There are no words to describe our grief.”
Newcastle United observed a moment of silence before Saturday’s game against Liverpool, while Everton gave a round of applause.
Newcastle said: “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and fans. Rest in peace, Christian.”
Everton added: “My thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at Hatayspor and everyone affected by this tragic event that claimed so many lives.”