In his playing days, late Christian Atsu received the unwavering love of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The president of Ghana met with Christian Atsu’s family on Monday to discuss burial arrangements for the late Black Stars forward.
The meeting, which also included GFA representatives, saw the President offer his sympathies to the family and recognize the deceased’s achievements to Ghanaian football.
Christian Atsu was referred to as “a gift sent to the country by God” by President Akufo-Addo during the meeting, and he pledged to see to it that the late forward was given a respectable funeral.
He claimed that when he was playing, Atsu was a player he idolized.
“There are times when it is not pleasant to be in this chair, today is one of them. The young man we were all mourning is an exceptional athlete, a gift to our nation and those of us who are football fanatics and I count myself as one, spent a lot of time admiring him, and his exploits on the field. The news that came from Turkey as a result of this tragedy that occurred there”
“It was a torturous experience for us because initially, we made to understand that he was alright and then came the conclusion that indeed he has been called by the almighty. It’s a tragedy for his family, his community, and is tragedy for our country. I want express to you, the representative of his family and of the football fraternity of Ghana my deepest condolences and sympathies” he said.
Christian Atsu’s funeral has not yet been scheduled, but his family has set March 4 for a one-week memorial service.
The late Black Stars forward’s family and supporters might find solace in the President’s resolve to making sure he was given a respectable funeral.