The date was February 5, 2023. Hatayspor needed a breakthrough in their Turkish Super Lig game against Kasimpasa. Coming in as an 82nd-minute substitute, Christian Atsu would go on to score with virtually the last kick of the game to seal a 1-0 win.
Atsu’s strike was celebrated widely by supporters of the club as well as the management, players and technical team of Hatayspor and the Ghanaian was ready to build on something positive after what was also his first goal for the club.
Little did everyone know that was just his way of saying goodbye to everyone around him. An unfortunate incident struck in the early hours of February 6, 2023; a devastating earthquake in which the Ghanaian was a victim.
The search for him lasted days as the death toll from the earthquake incident kept rising every time.
12 days after the incident, Atsu’s agent and manager, Nana Sechere, announced on social media that the body of the Ghana international had been recovered, a news that wrecked the hearts of many. Atsu was no more.
Two years after his untimely demise, the late Ghanaian professional footballer’s legacy lives on. A foundation to honour his memory, life and times is set to be launched.
The player’s family and erstwhile management team believe the time has come for the foundation to be started.
For anyone who knew Atsu, there was more to his life than just the football played during his time. He loved giving and supported projects that meant he imparted lives. The launch is set to happen after two years of his untimely passing.
Credit: myjoyonline.com
