Captain of the Black Stars, Andre Ayew said he has been left devastated following the passing of international teammate, Christian Atsu, who died through an earthquake in Turkey.
Confirmed reports from the Ghanaian Embassy in Turkey announcing his death subjected the nation into a state of mourning, after a long search of his body which has gone missing in a rumble for thirteen days.
An astounded Dede Ayew in a statement said, he continues to live in absolute shock because he never assumed the worst could have happened to Atsu, who shared the pitch with him for over a decade.
“Christian was a good and a genuine guy, a selfless individual who put smiles on our faces and the many people who encountered him. This has really hit me because this was not what I was hoping for. My prayer was that you would be found; but certainly not this way,” Ayew said in a statement
“For all the moments we shared and the support we gave each other, I will forever miss you. May Allah keep you my brother Christian. My deepest condolences to Marie-Claire, the kids, your family and loved ones. Fare the well champ,” the statement added.
Meanwhile colleagues and former Black Stars players including former captain Asamoah Gyan as well as Mubarak Wakaso have also expressed their deepest commiserations to the family of the former FC Porto and Chelsea winger.
Christian Atsu, 31, joined Hatayspor as free agent in September 2022 following a brief stint with Saudi Arabian side, Al Raed.
Atsu had earlier in his career played for Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth, and Everton in England.
He also had the privilege of playing for Vittesse Arhem in the Dutch Eredevise and Malaga in Spain.