Former Ballon d'Or Winner 'Deeply Saddened' By Christian Atsu's Tragic Death, Donates $10,000 to Family

• President of Liberia, George Weah has paid tribute to the late Christian Atsu
• The former footballer sent an envoy to the family of Atsu
• Atsu sadly passed away following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria early this month

Liberia President, George Weah has sent his condolences to the family of late Ghana winger Christian Atsu.

The 31-year-old tragically passed away following the devastating earthquake that hit the city of Hatay in Turkey on February 6, 2023.

Atsu, who scored the winner for Hatayspor in their game against Kasimpasa in the Turkish league, was trapped under rubble for 12 days before his lifeless body was found.

Weah - Africa's only Ballon d'Or winner - sent an envoy to the family of Atsu and has reportedly donated an amount of $10,000.

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Football

"I am deeply saddened to hear the devastating news of the passing of my neighbor, my small brother, and my young friend, the late Christian Atsu, who was a victim of the recent earthquake in Turkey," a note sent by the Liberia President read.

"I knew him personally, and in his formative years in the game of soccer, I had the opportunity to interact with him with his early training.

"I would like to express my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the bereaved family and to his friends everywhere for this irreplaceable loss.

"Rest In Peace, Small Brother.

"Dr. George Manneh Weah."

Atsu's body has been flown to Ghana ahead of preparations for his final funeral and burial rites.

Newcastle fans start fundraiser for Atsu

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that fans of Newcastle United have started a fundraiser to complete a school building by late Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu.

Photos: Stephen Appiah, Kwadwo Asamoah, ex-Black Stars commiserate with Christian Atsu’s family

Football

Atsu spent four seasons at the St James Park, building a cult hero status at the club after helping them gain promotion to the English Premier League in 2017.

The former Newcastle United winger tragically passed away following a devastating earthquake in Turkey early this month.

Kudus avoids punishment after Atsu tribute

Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus avoided a booking out of benevolence following his tribute to Christian Atsu during the game between Ajax and Sparta Rotterdam.

The 22-year-old removed his jersey after scoring in the 4-0 win to pay his final respect to the late Ghana winger, who died following the earthquake in Turkey.

Kudus was supposed to be given a yellow card for his gesture, according to the rules of the game.