Ghana: Christian Atsu, a man of talent and generosity

Christian Atsu will never again step onto a football pitch. The 31-year-old Ghana international lost his life in the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey on 6 February. Initially reported missing, he was found dead two weeks later under the rubble of a building.

News of his death sent a wave of sadness through the football world. From Hatayspor (his last club, in Turkey) to his former sides such as Newcastle, Chelsea, Porto and Everton, all were keen to pay a final tribute to Atsu.

Read also: Ghana: five things to know about Christian Atsu

Christian was not just a footballer; above all he was a man who earned respect through his actions. Very discreet and humble, the Ghanaian had a big heart and never hesitated to help those around him. "He helped a lot of people solve their problems, gave money to those who needed it," former Ghana team-mate John Paintsil said, as quoted by BBC Sport Africa. "Atsu's spirit was so good that he could come up with different ideas. He was jovial and creative, like a movie star. We have lost a great soul. He was one in a million because he sometimes put others before himself."

A player full of talent

As a footballer, the former Chelsea player had made a real impression at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. The left-footed midfielder won the player of the tournament award as well as the goal of the tournament award. His side, however, lost the final to Yaya Touré's Ivory Coast on penalties.

"It was a pleasure to be with him and he was an excellent team-mate, someone with a lot of talent and quality. He was an exceptional player and I am truly honoured to have shared special moments with him on the pitch. He was nicknamed the Messi of Ghana for his style and also for the way we relied on him as a team," recalls former Ghana and Crystal Palace forward Kwesi Appiah.

Though he has gone far too soon, Christian Atsu leaves behind wonderful memories that will never fade.