The late Christian Atsu and Mubarak Wakaso had a bromance which was only made official somewhere in 2022, when the former informed the world that he had found a “brother” in Wakaso.
On July 10, Atsu tweeted “there are friends that become family.”
This tweet resurfaced recently when Wakaso took to Twitter to mourn Christian Atsu, who was confirmed dead on February 18, 2023, after being trapped in a debris for 12 days following an earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.
— M.M.JUNIOR WAKASO (@WakasoBobby) February 18, 2023
For many, the reason behind Atsu and Wakaso’s strong bond is unknown although they believe that it has got something to do with the Black Stars.
Both Atsu and Wakaso played for the senior national football team. The duo joined the Black Stars in 2012.
After receiving a call from the then head coach Kwasi Appiah, Atsu had to meet his new colleagues. According to him, he received a warm welcome .
“They were very nice. When a new player arrives, we are always looking for someone who can lift the team, add value to the team and do something different.
Derrick Boateng said we have never had a player like you for many years because you run with the ball. They encouraged me to be honest,” he told Sports journalist, Kwabena Yeboah.
Atsu noted that one of the many who provided encouragement was Mubarak Wakaso, who he then described as “friend.”
The 31-year-old stated that his relationship with the midfielder dwelled on respect and the fact that Wakaso was a professional footballer.
“I like that guy so much. He is a professional player. He doesn’t joke with his work. Ghanaians can attest to this.”
“When I play with him, he always tells me ‘Christian, stay up, don’t come back. I will do the work for you but if they give the ball to you, you have to make sure you make good use of it. He put a lot of responsibility on me,” he added.
For Atsu, playing for the Black Stars was a dream come true, thus did not relent in his effort to stand out and be most productive.
“As Ghanaians footballers, our dream is to represent our country one day at the highest level and when I had the chance, I said to myself I was going to take this chance because I know in the Ghana National team, no matter how good you are, your first game is very important.”
Christian Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea, winning the Player of the tournament.
As Ghana mourns Christian Atsu, many continue to share his philanthropic acts and his amazing skills while on the pitch.
🖤 Christian Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea, winning the Player of the tournament. ⭐️
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) February 18, 2023
You served our Country well, forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace 💔🕊️@ChristianAtsu20 ❤️ https://t.co/KMWmwDvy18 pic.twitter.com/d9f7XgilSX
Source: The Independent Ghana