By Biodun Busari
The body of former Premier League player Christian Atsu, who died in the earthquake that devastated Turkey, has arrived in Ghana on Sunday.
Atsu’s death was announced on Saturday by his agent Nana Sechere, who said the footballer’s body was found 12 days after the disaster struck Turkey and Syria, claiming more than 44,000 lives.
Ghana international Atsu, who died aged 31, had stints with Chelsea, New Castle, Everton and Porto among other clubs, playing for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor at the time of his death.
Atsu has been an ambassador for the global children’s charity Arms Around The Child (AATC) since 2016, being the main donor of the new school completed in Senya Beraku in Ghana.
The casket containing Atsu’s body arrived at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana on Sunday evening, according to the Daily Mail.
His family members mourned the arrival of the coffin at the airport, while his friends paid tribute to the Ghanaian midfielder.
An AATC spokesperson said, “It is with pain and disbelief that we have to write these words. We have hope that Christians will be saved and found in the ruins of the tragic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
“Christian Atsu was a unique and wonderful man, and his legacy will live on in the hundreds, if not thousands of lives he has helped.
“He will live on in our memories as one of the best, most talented, and humble people to ever enter this world.
“A boy from poverty in Ghana who followed his dream had an incredibly successful football career and used his talent and platform to help others.
“Arms Around The Child is lucky to know Kristen and will appreciate your support for the children we care for, especially the children in Senya Beraku where Christian is building a school in the local community. Kristen believes in giving children a brighter future and the opportunity to success.
“They don’t forget where they came from and don’t want to see other children abused, imprisoned, infected with HIV, trafficked or sold.
“He decided to use his excellence as a footballer to prevent this.
“They have also supported The Crime Check Foundation in Ghana with their work paying fines for minor crimes that lead to imprisonment, and helping people reintegrate into society and get back on their feet.”