Former captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan has revealed that Christian Atsu’s demise has dealt him a painful blow.
He said Christian only travelled to make ends meet for his family and other needy individuals, only to meet his untimely demise in such a harsh way.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports show with Kwadwo Mensah Moshosho on Monday, Asamoah Gyan said this will let people understand some of the harsh realities of footballers who travel abroad.
Against this backdrop, he urged Ghanaians to excise patience and decorum when criticising them.
Recounting how he met Christian Atsu, ‘Baby Jet’ said he first encountered him in 2012, during his Soccer Fiesta tournaments where footballers locked horns with musicians.
He revealed someone introduced Atsu to him as a Ghanaian player who plies his trade in Portugal for FC Porto, and he was given a chance in the second half.
According to him, upon noticing his exceptional qualities, he told Atsu that if he works hard, he could break into the Black Stars.
Interestingly, in less than a year, he was handed his maiden call-up by coach Kwesi Appiah.
Asamoah Gyan said Christian Atsu became an instrumental player in the team, and in 2015 he was in the form of his life.
He said it did not come as a surprise to the team when Atsun won the Player and Goal of the Tournament at the Total African Cup of Nations.
Asamoah Gyan said, Atsu was in the form of his life and it was difficult to even dispossess him on the ball.
“Atsu could take on players, assist and position himself well to score, he was very instrumental to the team,” Asamoah Gyan said.
He further said Christian Atsu repeated and had a lot of belief in him(Asamoah Gyan), ” he could come to me in my room when I am not well to plead with me to do something because I was the only one who could win the match for Ghana, he believed and respected me so much.”
Asamoah Gyan disclosed that the players will put themselves together with the FA and other stakeholders to ensure Atsu is given a befitting burial.
He expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of Christian Atsu.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme