Black Stars midfielder Mubarak Wakasu paid an emotional tribute to national teammate Christian Atsu Twasam, who lost his life following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in early February.
The 31-year-old was plying his trade with Turkish club Hatayspor before the devastating incident happened.
Wakaso, a close friend of the late Black Stars winger, broke down in tears in his brief tribute to bid farewell to Atsu in the forecourt of the State House in Accra, where he was in public.
He wrote, ‘It is very difficult for me to put into words how I feel.
“Since hearing about the earthquake on 6th February, I had hoped that you are still alive. I never believed that this hope would turn into sadness.
“You were my everyday man, my friend, my brother. We played together, laughed together, ate together.
“You were someone I trusted in everything, because in good or bad you were always there for me.
“I am here just looking at our pictures, reading our messages, watching our videos. All I have now are memories which I will cherish forever.
“Rest in perfect peace. Love from your brother Wakaso Mubarak.”
The funeral of the former Newcastle player was attended by dignitaries including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahmudu Bawumia, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Mr Henry Larte, current and former Black Star players, youth and ministers. Sports, Mr. Mustafa Ussif, President and Official of the Ghana Football Association, and Chris Houghton, Head Coach of the Black Stars.
Furthermore, international players including Emmanuel Adebayor and the vice-president of Turkish outfit Hatayspor FC Mustafa Ozat were there to bid a final goodbye to the illustrious player.
Atsu played 65 times for the senior nationals, where he scored 10 goals along with nine assists.