Former Ghanaian international Michael Essien and is wife Akosua Essien have said they are still in shock over the death of fellow player Christian Atsu.

In a tribute to the late Newcastle winger, the Essiens described Atsu as “a kind with a rare humility especially for one so young”.

Michael Essien disclosed that he was in Antalya, Turkey on that fateful day of the earthquake and wished there were a million and one things he could have done to help or save him.

The state-assisted funeral of Christian Atsu Twasam is being held this morning Friday, March 17, 2023 at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.

Rescuers found his dead body under the rubble of his house in Turkey following the deadly earthquake that struck some parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 06, 2023.

Christian Atsu, a former player of Cheetah FC, Rio Ave, FC Porto, Chelsea FC, AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC, Malaga CF, and Newcastle United passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Christian Atsu made 65 appearances for Ghana and played at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea where he was adjudged the Best Player of the Tournament.

Atsu was also a member of Ghana’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. 

Read details of the Essiens tribute below:

Football- what a beautiful game that unites people from all walks of life. To us, it is a game that knows no colour, no race, no gender and one which breaks boundaries. A game that gave us some of our greatest friendships, brothers and a real sense of community.

A game that gave us you, our brother and dear friend- *Christian Atsu* Just like us, the passion of the game, the zeal to make life better for you and your loved ones, the desire to take our dear mother Ghana onto the worlds’ stage took you to many parts of the world including Turkey. Our hearts are broken, we are still in shock and saddened about your sudden death.

 I was in Antalya, Turkey on that fateful day and we wish there were a million and one things we could have done to help or save you, but the Lord knows best. You were one of a kind with a rare humility especially for one so young. You had an amazing smile and a real compassion for humankind. You were without doubt a great personality and everyone felt this so much so that people seek to emulate you. You were always fun to be around and I remember the Fufu sessions and jokes in Cobham, Surrey. Atsu you have gone too soon.

How cruel your exit was. We continue to ask God many questions. Your life has been short on earth but lived to the fullest. You are indeed our candle in the wind. Atsu! Atsu!! Atsu!!! May the Angels of Heaven take you to the bosom of God where we trust we shall meet again.

 Rest well our brother, Rest easy our dear friend.

We will miss you always.

Your loving memory will always remain a monument in our hearts…Onua, Nante Yie…

With so much love and respect,

Michael and Akosua ESSIEN.