Credit: Twitter
In a very heartfelt moment, Turkish club Hatayspor paid their tributes towards Christian Atsu, who unfortunately died in the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake which took place earlier this year in February. He was reported missing for about 12 days before being found in the rubble of his house.
Atsu signed a one-year deal with a one-year option with Süper Lig team Hatayspor on September 6, 2022. On February 5, 2023, the day before the earthquake that claimed his life, he appeared in three league games and one Turkish Cup match, scoring the game's lone goal against Kasmpaşa at home in the seventh minute of extra time.
The club paid an emotional tribute to the winger during their first match after the disaster. The club displayed his 30-numbered jersey and prayed for his well-being during their friendly match against Hull City at the Bursa Metropolitan Stadium. The players from the rival team, Hull City were also seen applauding for the departed player. Hull City posted the emotional video on their Twitter handle on Monday, with the caption,” Remembering Christian Atsu 🧡”
Watch the video here:
Apart from the video, Atsu's team Hatayspor also paid tribute to Christian Atsu as manager Volkan Demirel posed with the team ahead of the match holding Atsu's shirt.
Atsu played in England in the Premier League for the majority of his career. He was signed by Chelsea, but he featured for various clubs like Bournemouth and Everton on loan. He was then signed by Newcastle United for a four-year deal before his last club Hatayspor signed him.
