This morning, the funeral of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu Twasam is being held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, with state assistance.
Atsu's wife, Marie-Claire Rupio, paid tribute to him, expressing her love and heartbreak at his passing. She spoke of how his love still guides her and how she sees him in their children's smiles.
Marie-Claire Rupio wrote “Lying before me today is the mortal remains of a beloved father and husband. I knew little that morning that God is going to call you home.
"In life, I love you dearly. In death, I do the same. It breaks my heart to lose you. You did not go alone. For part of me went with you.
“Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you you are always on my side. You were always so full of life. You seemed to be immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in our children’s smiles. You are never really gone as part of you is within them.
“You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. But as you always say, God wins.
"In Love, your wife.”
Atsu's body was returned to Ghana on February 19, 2023, after he was found dead under the rubble of his house in Turkey following a deadly earthquake on February 06, 2023.
Atsu played for several football clubs, including Cheetah FC, Rio Ave, FC Porto, Chelsea FC, AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC, and Newcastle United, and made 65 appearances for Ghana.
He was named the Best Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, and was also part of Ghana's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
