Christian Atsu: Old Photo of Late Chelsea Star Winning Most Valuable Player at High School Tournament Emerges

• Christian Atsu represented Potsin T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in the 2008 Milo Games in Ghana
• The former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger eventually won the Most Valuable Player of the tournament
• The Milo Games is an annual football tournament which pits the best senior high schools from the regional to national level

A throwback photo of Christian Atsu's formative days as a footballer has gone viral since emerging online.

Atsu's football career can be likened to a journeyman, playing for almost ten clubs, including Chelsea, FC Porto and Newcastle United.

While his fame was noised abroad owing to his similar playing style to Argentine genius Lionel Messi, it was in Ghana that he honed his special talent.

Christian was a product of the country's youth system, where he featured for Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord (now WAFA) before switching to Cheetah FC, Football Ghana reports.

Christian Atsu’s last ever goal was a stunning free kick which helped his team off relegation zone

Football

Before blossoming on trials at FC Porto, Atsu participated in the then-famous Milo Games, a tournament for high school kids across the nation.

In a photo shared on social media, which has since gone viral, Atsu was spotted receiving a medal alongside his teammates from Potsin T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in 2008.

The photo has stirred emotions and brought nostalgic memories of the competition that birthed many Ghanaian talents in the 21st century.

The 31-year-old was sadly found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the devastating Turkey earthquake, GOAL reports.

His death has left the football community in a state of mourning as tributes continue to flood in from all walks of life.

Asamoah tearfully pays tribute to Atsu

Video of FC Porto and Rio Ave coming together to pay tribute to Christian Atsu before league goes viral

Football

As the world commiserates with Atsu's family, former Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah broke down in tears when paying tribute to his former Black Stars teammate.

Atsu met his untimely death during the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which caused his residence to collapse.

Footballers, family members and sympathizers of Atsu gathered in his family house to pay tribute to the ex-Chelsea and FC Porto winger.

Why Atsu's last goal was 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, Sports Brief earlier reported.

What was conspicuous was the manner in which Christian was passionately celebrated by his teammates and coaches at Hatayspor.

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