Ghanaian football fans will mourn the passing of former Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on Friday, March 17, 2023.
The late footballer will be laid to rest in his hometown, Dogobome in the Greater Accra Region.
Prior to the burial, Atsu’s body will be displayed at the Forecourt of the State House for filing past and last respects. The family has requested that attendees wear black attire for the occasion.
The thanksgiving service will also take place at the Forecourt of the State House on the same day as the burial.
On Sunday, March 19, 2023, Atsu’s family will meet to discuss other important matters relating to the late footballer.
The funeral is expected to be attended by President Akufo-Addo and other prominent government officials, highlighting the impact Atsu had on Ghanaian football and the nation as a whole.
The late Chelsea and Newcastle star was survived by his widow Maria Claire Rupio and three children, namely; Joshua Christian Rupio Twasam, Godwin Rupio Twasam and Abigail Rupio Twasam.
Atsu died after an earthquake hit Turkey on February 6, 2023, and was later found under his home in southern Turkey. He had been playing for the Hatayspor club.
Atsu had been missing since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, in hard-hit Hatay province.
The Hatayspor club initially reported the player had been rescued with injuries, but this position was later changed – and his agent confirmed the news of his death on Twitter.
The winger played 65 times for Ghana’s national team and helped his side reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The 31-year-old also played for Premier League sides Everton and Newcastle.