Explained: Why Hatayspor Passionately Celebrated Christian Atsu’s Sensational Last Gasp Freekick

• Christian Atsu finished his last match by scoring a 97th minute free-kick hours before the Turkey-Syria earthquake
• His last contribution as a footballer was a stoppage time freekick for Hatayspor
• The government of Ghana, via the vice president, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, promised Atsu would be given a "befitting" burial

Christian Atsu was sadly found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the devastating Turkey earthquake.

The final remains of the affable footballer have since arrived in Ghana amid tributes from far and near commiserating with his family.

Atsu had been missing since the February 6th quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay, before he was found lifeless 12 days later, according to BBC.

Sports Brief takes a look at his last goal contribution as a footballer and why his goal was celebrated passionately:

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Christian's stint with Hatayspor

Having joined Hatayspor in 2022, Christian Atsu had to wait till October 15, 2022 to make his competitive debut for his new side against Karagumruk, which ended in defeat.

He was conspicuously absent from matches involving Hatayspor due to nagging injuries and only returned to action against Galatasary, lasting 11 minutes.

The 31-year-old, who played for many clubs, including Newcastle United, would return to the squad but only good for the bench in two successive matches.

But on February 5, his nine-minute cameo, which will include a last-gasp match-winner, would save the day for Hataspor, ET reports.

Atsu's last contribution as a footballer

Atsu joined Hatayspor in September after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.

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The sensational goal scored in the 97th minute would sadly be the last time the Ghanaian footballer would grace the pitch.

How was Atsu's goal celebrated?

As expected, the 31-year-old's strike sparked wild celebrations from his mates, technical bench and the fans owing to the significance of his goal.

His first and final goal for Hatayspor sparked unbridled joy laced with passion from the playing body and the technical team.

Why was his goal celebrated passionately?

In an interesting yet heartbreaking coincidence, tragedy struck Atsu barely hours after he netted the winner for his team, which desperately needed it.

What was conspicuous was the manner in which Christian was passionately celebrated.

Atsu's goal against Kasimpasa gave his side an important three points, catapulting the club from the relegation drop zone to 14th.

His long absence from the team due to injuries made his goal the more special.

It was only Atsu's third appearance for the Antakya-based outfit after battling series of niggling injuries.