Chelsea has paid an emotional tribute to former player Christian Atsu, who died at the age of 31 in Turkey Earthquake.
Before his body was discovered, Atsu was buried in the debris at the Hatayspor headquarters in Turkey for two weeks.
And Chelsea, like many others in football, remembered the late player in a special social media post.
The tribute read: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.”
“Atsu was a Chelsea player between 2013 and 2017 having signed from Porto.”
“He did not make a competitive appearance for our men’s first team having spent his seasons as a Blue out on loan, although he featured in some pre-season games.”
“During those years, the Ghanaian international was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, also scoring the Goal of the Tournament as Ghana finished runners up.”
“His loans took him to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before he was transferred permanently to St James’ Park.”
“He moved to Turkey to play for Hatayspor last year.”
“Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.”
John Terry, a former Blues player, tweeted a photo of the late winger along with the following tribute: “RIP my friend.”
Newcastle, Atsu’s previous team, also paid respects; an excerpt from their statement is as follows: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that our former player Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.”
“A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
Everton also wrote a heartfelt tribute to the Ghanian, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.”
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.”
Premier League official account posted too, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.”
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
Former Chelsea teammate Victor Moses also took to his Twitter account to post: “Devastated to hear the news of Christian Atsu. Rest in peace 💔🙏🏾”
Nigerian Football Association also dropped its rivalry with Ghanaian Football to express his condolences, the NFF posted on their social account, saying: “We are sending our deepest condolences to the family of Ghanaian international Christian Atsu, his friends and our brothers @ghanafaofficial. May his soul rest in peace 💔 🙏”
Despite having their manager, Antonio Conte, bedridden, Tottenham Hotspur still made out time to share condolences with the deceased footballer.
They posted on twitter saying: “Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Christian Atsu.”
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time.”
Also, all of us at Futballnews are saddened by the development from Turkey regarding Christian Atsu. We wish Atsu’s family and the families of other Turkey’s earthquake victims all the best as they go through this horrific time.
