By Edna A. Quansah
Accra, March. 03, GNA – Former Black Stars Coach Kwesi Appiah has advised footballers to emulate the philanthropic works of the late Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu Twasam, who lost his life in the tragic earthquake that rocked Turkey and parts of Syria on Monday, February 6.
In an interview with the GNA Sports, on Thursday, Coach Appiah, who handed the skilful player in his debut call-up to the senior national team in 2012, said it was imperative that players learned from Atsu to make a positive impact on society.
After being trapped in the rubble of the building housing his apartment for 12 days, the former Newcastle player was found lifeless on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Ghanaians and the global football fraternity were left devastated amid the outpouring of tributes celebrating him as an excellent player for humanity both on and off the field.
His outstanding personality and passion for giving to the less privileged, even those he had never met before, dominated the tributes on both social and mainstream media.
Coach Kwesi Appiah underlined, “Atsu was one kind of a player in the sense that his social life was beautiful and and very different from that of many. Atsu was the kind of player who was always willing to give. I have been with many players and that is why I can say that Atsu was different. To go the extent of visiting orphanages to show them love anytime he came on holiday, or prisons anytime he was here to settle the debts of some of the prisoners, is definitely astounding.
“Many people try to help in different ways, but to go to the extent of doing this was extraordinary, and I think the young players coming up, must all try to emulate these things that Atsu was doing to help society.”
The 31-year-old star, who helped Ghana to finish as the runner at the 2015 African Cup of Nations, won the Best Player of the Tournament and Best Goal.
He made 64 appearances for the Black Stars, netting 10 goals with nine assists.
He played for Newcastle United, Chelsea and other teams.
GNA