Atsu: Your dedication to Ghana and team spirit were outstanding and should be emulated - Sports Ministry.
The State has paid heartfelt tribute to late Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu, who died in last month's Turkey-Syria earthquake.
At the footballer's final funeral rites, Mustapha Ussif, the Sports Minister, read a tribute on behalf of the State, saying the deceased's "acclaimed humane nature, friendliness, love for people, commitment to mother Ghana, and team spirit were exceptional and deserve emulation."
"Even at the pinnacle of his career, Atsu remained himself, never succumbing to pride, arrogance, or indiscipline."
"We believe that Christian Atsu graciously paid his dues to Mother Ghana and memories of his commitment and contributions to the National team," Mr Ussif said on the occasion of the country mourning one of its sons, brothers, and colleagues, the Black Stars, will forever remain in the minds of both present and future generations.”
“His legacy will remain as an inspiration for the Black Stars, the football fraternity and generally, the youth of our country, Ghana. We pray that our brother, our son and our Black Star, finds the best place with the Lord.”
Christian Atsu, a former Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle winger, was discovered dead under the rubble of his home in Turkey after the earthquake on February 6.
Recounting the unfortunate incident that led to Atsu's death, the Minister said, "As human beings, creatures of the Almighty God, departing from each other in response to the Creator's call, is natural, but the departure of a patriot, full of wisdom, humility and kindness is really painful.
"However, as we always say, when such painful departures occur, we cannot question God. He is the most knowledgeable. Our brother Christian Atsu's tragic death has undoubtedly left indelible imprints on the minds and hearts of compatriots, teammates, friends, families, and the nation.
“Government and Ghanaians in general will continue to remember Christian Atsu as one of the committed, dedicated and result-oriented youth and football stars of our time.
Mr. Ussif stated that Christian Atsu demonstrated the ability to fully realize his professional potential.
"His interest for developing and utilising his talent for the Ghanaian people and beyond will forever remain a reference point.
"Throughout his career, Atsu interacted on both personal and professional levels with many well-meaning Ghanaians and international partners. His first close interaction with the Ministry of Sports came in 2012, when he was called up to the Black Stars.
"His stellar performance with the Black Stars, right from his debut match against Lesotho on 1st June 2012 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, endeared him to many Ghanaians. Without a doubt, a new Black Star was born that day.
“As one of the youngest players of the team, with much expectation from Ghanaians, he exhibited beyond the talents and skills known to many, when he scored the fifth goal in the Black Stars’ seven-goal thrashing of Lesotho. Indeed, the BBC described him as an “excellent prospect”, “quick and technically impressive” player with high potential in the National team,” he said.
"Atsu continued to serve Ghana through the Black Stars in many assignments, including the African Cup of Nations in South Africa in 2013, Equatorial Guinea in 2015, Gabon in 2017 and Egypt in 2019," according to the Minister. He also represented Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil."
Mr Ussif recounted the late footballer’s “most memorable performance with the Black Stars was at the 2015 Afcon in Equatorial Ghana, where he won the Player of the Tournament after his excellent performance helped the Black Stars to reach the grand finale.”
He said in all the Ministry’s interactions with the Black Stars, Atsu always displayed calmness, an attribute his mates have attested to.
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