Ajax Star Mohammed Kudus Dedicates Goal of the Month Award to Late Friend Christian Atsu

• Mohammed Kudus has won Ajax's February goal of the month
• The Ghana international dedicated his award to Christian Atsu
• The winger died following the earthquake in Turkey last month

Black Stars midfielder, Mohammed Kudus has dedicated his Lasse Schone Goal of the Month award to the late ex-Ghana international, Christian Atsu.

Atsu tragically died following the devastating earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.

The body of the Hatayspor star was found 12 days later after he was trapped under the rubble of a collapsed apartment.

Kudus scored a spectacular free kick as Ajax thrashed Sparta Rotterdam, only a day after the body of Atsu was recovered.

The red-hot midfielder dedicated the goal to his late friend and has replicated the gesture after he received the Lasse Schone award.

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"We all know what happened with the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It's a difficult period for us as human beings and personally, Atsu is someone I know on a personal level, so it hits different," Kudus said in a post by Ajax on Twitter.

"Atsu means a lot to me, we all know his career. He has played for a lot of clubs and even here in the Eredivisie, he is my countryman and I grew up watching him. I have learnt a lot from him and he has advised me a couple of times."

Kudus admitted it was hard to accept Atsu's loss but it made him appreciate life.

"I will remember this trophy forever," he added. "Every time I see this trophy, I will remember the goal and the celebrations. This is a special one for me."

Atsu's one-week observation was held in Accra on March 4 and the date for his final funeral and burial has been confirmed as March 17 at Ghana's State House.

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The former Ghana international made 65 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring nine goals.

Kudus scores stunner against NEC

Sports Brief also reported on Kudus reaching goal double figures in the Dutch Eredivisie after powering Ajax to victory against NEC Nijmegen.

The Ghana international scored the only goal of the match as the Dutch champions extended their winning streak in the league to six matches.

Kudus met a sweet cross from the left from Dusan Tadic to break the deadlock after 52 minutes in what was ultimately the winner for his team.