Ex Convict Narrates How Christian Atsu Helped Him Integrate into Society After Prison Sentence

• Mark Mensah has revealed how Christian Atsu helped him after prison
• The Ghanaian died due to the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month
• Atsu's charitable works include helping pay the fines of petty offenders

Mark Mensah, an ex-convict, has detailed how former Ghana winger, Christian Atsu helped him find his feet after four years in prison.

Through the support of the footballer's Crime Check Foundation, Mensah was provided with capital to start his life afresh after his release.

Mensah now hawks on the streets of Accra, selling pillows and dusters but before his new life, he sold illegal substances for a living.

“When I heard about his death, I was sad. I cried because Atsu is the reason why I am in Accra. He's the reason why I have a place to stay," Mensah told Tv3.

Why Mohammed Kudus escaped a yellow card after removing his shirt in Ajax's win over Sparta Rotterdam

Football

“[Atsu] was a peaceful person. He cared for the poor and needy. I never thought someone like him would help me. My mom is still crying after hearing the news. I can't believe it.”

Atsu's act of benevolence has seen him help petty offenders after release and also catered for a number of orphans in the country.

The former Black Stars player sadly passed following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria earlier this month.

Atsu donated Porto stipends

Sports Brief also reported on Atsu's life of giving starting at a tender age and it was evident from the moment he first joined Portuguese outfit, FC Porto.

Then just 17 years old, he decided to donate his 800-Euro stipend to a church close to where he used to play in Ghana, after successfully passing his trial.

Turkey earthquake: How Christian Atsu’s twin sister received tragic news of brother's death

Football

Atsu excelled in Portugal before earning a big money move to Chelsea, where he would spend most of his four-year spell at the Blues on loan.

Danilo pays tribute to Atsu

Juventus and Brazilian defender, Danilo paid emotional tribute to Atsu following news of the Ghanaian winger's death recently.

The two international stars were teammates at Portuguese giants, FC Porto, breaking into the club's senior team in the same year.

Atsu's body was recovered after almost two weeks, after the disaster which claimed the lives of over 40,000 people in Turkey and Syria.