Ghana’s president Nana Akufo Addo was among hundreds of mourners Friday who paid their last respects at the funeral of Christian atsu the soccer player who died last month in the Turkey earthquake.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Mahama, and government ministers all attended the service at State House, the seat of the West African nation’s parliament.
Tributes were paid to the former Chelsea and Newcastle winger as he was laid to rest in a coffin draped in Ghana’s national colors of red, yellow, green, and black 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, Atsu’s widow Marie-Claire Rupio broke down while reading a tribute, saying he left with a part of her.
“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.”
The 31-year-old footballer was discovered dead on February 18 following the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit southern Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing more than 50,000 people in both countries.
Traditional performers were among those paying tribute while former teammates 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.
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.
Ghana Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif also spoke, saying: “Even at the peak of his career, Atsu remained himself and was never overtaken by pride, arrogance or indiscipline. His legacy will remain as an inspiration.”
Main Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United/Getty Images
