Ghanaian striker Christian Atsu was accompanied to his last home on Friday 17 March in his native Ghana.

Christian Atsu, who died at the age of 31 in the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey in February, received a state funeral in Accra, Ghana on Friday. Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s Head of State, presided over the ceremony at the State House forecourt. A hundred local fans and former teammates of the deceased came to support his family, his three children and the widow, Marie-Claire Rupio.

The latter started to deliver the eulogies but could not continue because she was overwhelmed with emotions. Christiana Atsupie, the late player’s twin sister, took over.

“You did not go alone. For part of me went with you. Your love is still my guide. […] You seemed to be immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in our children’s smile.”

The corpse was eventually taken to Ada, his home town, where he was laid to rest.

Christian Atsu was a left winger at Hatay, a club based in Antakya in the Turkish First Division.

Rescuers found his lifeless body a fortnight after the earthquake under the rubble of his building. Turkey repatriated his remains to his homeland a month ago.

Ardiès Sianou