A state funeral was held on Friday, March 17, in Accra, Ghana’s capital, to honor the late soccer player Christian Atsu, who tragically lost his life during the earthquake that shook Turkey last month. The ceremony was presided over by the Head of State, Nana Akufo-Addo, and was attended by the family of the deceased, former teammates, and many fans who came to pay their last respects.
During the funeral, the former teammates wore T-shirts with Atsu’s effigy, while the coffin was draped in the colors of Ghana and installed under a white tent. The ceremony was emotional, with several speakers, including Atsu’s widow, Marie-Claire Rupio, who could not hold back her tears as she spoke about her husband.
In her speech, Rupio said,
“You did not leave alone, a part of me went with you. Your love continues to guide me. You seemed immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in the smile of our children.”
Atsu was only 31 years old when he lost his life in the powerful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing over 50,000 people. He had been playing for Hatay, a Turkish first division club, since last September, based in Antakya, near the epicenter of the earthquake. After two weeks of searching, his body was found on February 18 in the rubble of the building where he lived.
Atsu was a Ghanaian international player with 65 caps and was known in his country for his philanthropic activities. He had played for clubs in England, such as Chelsea and Newcastle, and in Portugal, for FC Porto.
Christian Atsu will be buried in Ada, his hometown in the southeast of Ghana, where he will be laid to rest. The Ghanaian government has declared a week of mourning in honor of Atsu.