Christian Atsu‘s last moments with his team, Hatayspor, were happy and exciting. The Ghanaian international, who tragically died following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, scored the team’s final goal.
Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu was spotted having fun with his Hatayspor teammates before the earthquake in Turkey.
In a video shared on social media, Atsu is seen having fun with his teammates as they hyped him up, following his sensational free kick against Kasimpasa. The ever-smiling player is also seen practicing a dance move with one of his teammates while the others chant his name.
A few hours after the players left camp for their various destinations, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Hatay region in Turkey and the northern part of Syria, leaving over 40,000 people dead. Atsu was initially reported to be trapped under rubble but after 12 days of searching and many prayers of hope, he was found dead.
The 31-year-old’s passing has left the footballing world in shock, with many sending in their tributes as the club arranged with Turkish authorities for his body to be transported to Ghana for burial. Atsu enjoyed a stellar career in Europe, playing for FC Porto, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Everton before a brief time in Saudi Arabia.
Atsu’s remains arrive in Ghana Sports Brief also reported on Atsu’s remains arriving in Ghana from Turkey following his passing due to a devastating earthquake on February 6.
🇬🇭Christian Atsu’s final goal meant so much to him.😭😭😭💔 pic.twitter.com/3kfKTCDh0o
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) February 20, 2023
The government, family, friends and former footballers were all at the Kotoko International Airport to receive the body ahead of the final rites. Many were unable to hold back tears and wails of anguish, as the late footballer’s body was transported off a Turkish Airlines aircraft. Danilo pays tribute to Atsu Juventus and Brazilian defender, Danilo paid Atsu emotional tribute, after the Ghanaian passed away following the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
The two players were teammates at Portuguese giants, FC Porto, breaking into the senior team in the same year. Atsu was killed after being trapped under rubble, following the disaster which claimed the lives of over 40,000 people.