Football pundits in Hoho in the Volta Region have made deep and thoughtful revelations about former Black Stars player Christian Etsu as he heads home to his final resting place.
Atsu, a player of Hatıspor football club in Turkey, died untimely after the earthquake that hit that country in February this year.
President, Vice President, former President, wife and children, families, friends, members of the sporting fraternity and sympathizers from all walks of life paid their last respects to Atsu at the burial ceremony of the deceased footballer held in Accra.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Master Bright Selse Afwi, a pundit, said the late player was dedicated and professional in whatever he did and was always humble.
He said the sports fraternity should be proud of Atsu’s exploits and urged young players to take lessons from the late footballer’s career and humanitarianism.
Master Afwi commends the state for being involved in giving Atsu a proper funeral.
Recalling his exploits in Ghana’s massive win over Egypt ahead of the 2014 World Cup, Mr. Stephen K. Asare (VPWA), sports presenter, VOV Radio said that Atsu was an exceptional player.
His exploits in the Black Stars jersey earned him the nickname ‘The Messi of Ghana’. His philanthropic work also showed that he was genuinely considerate and thought of the best interests of others.
He said that despite going through difficult times, Atsu’s service to humanity knew no bounds.
Mr. Asare advised young sportspersons facing hardships to always remember that God elevated people for the betterment of humanity, so if they have the means, they should not hesitate to help the needy.
He appreciated his family, government, football association and all other stakeholders for organizing his last rites.
“There was little we could do for him considering the fact that Atsu once put a smile on the face of every football-loving fan in Ghana and the world at large.”
Sports Presenter, Heritage FM Mr Asante Kenneth Kumi Kobi said Atsu was a genius on and off the field because of his talent and humanitarian work.
He said that football players should emulate the dedication, commitment and can-do spirit of the late player in their career.
Mr Emmanuel Adem Agbodiagbo, sports presenter, Sekpel FM, said Atsu was one of the most favorite players because “he had an amazing left foot, he was brilliant and he could work the field”.
He said that the late sportsperson was generous and determined, who should be emulated by the young players, to persevere and work hard.
Besides Ghana Black Stars, at club level, he played for FC Porto, Rio Ave, Chelsea, Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Málaga, Newcastle United, Al Raed and Hatayspor.