The late Christian Atsu, who tragically perished in the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, is being remembered by Newcastle United supporters.
As an ambassador for the charity Arms Around the Child, Atsu, who had previously played for the Magpies and Chelsea, was working on a project to construct a new school in his native Ghana.
At a charged St James’ Park, Newcastle remembered Atsu by observing a moment of silence prior to their match against Liverpool.
In honour of Atsu, the fan organisation Talk of Tyneside has launched a charitable project to complete the school project. They are requesting support from fans for the fundraiser, which has raised more than £600 so far.
Talk of Tyneside expressed their desire to give supporters a way to show appreciation for Atsu’s service to the club and his work with the charity.
The group stated that Atsu was a well-loved figure on Tyneside, and raising funds for the charity felt like the perfect way to honour his memory.
“Following his passing, we were hoping to find a way to give supporters a way to show appreciation for his service to the club, and raising money for a fantastic charity that he worked with feels like the perfect way to do so.”
Ellie Milner, also from Arms Around the Child, spoke about Atsu’s charity work and how they are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to finish the school buildings in Senya Beraku and support the children he loved so much.
Ellie Milner from Arms Around The Child added: “Christian touched the lives of so many with his charity work, we are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to finish the school buildings in Senya Beraku – and support the children he loved so much.”
Atsu’s mortal remains arrived in Ghana on Sunday for the burial.