‘He was a lovely person who always smiled’- Avram Grant pays tribute to Christian Atsu

Avram Grant, a former Ghana coach, has expressed his condolences to Christian Atsu, a former player who tragically passed away as a result of the recent earthquakes in Turkey.

Christian Atsu, a talented winger who had previously played for Newcastle and Chelsea, was 31 years old when he died on February 18, 2023, in Antakya, Türkiye.

Christian Atsu was praised as a “lovely person” and one of Grant’s favourite players, and the Israeli coach expressed his sorrow at his loss.

Despite receiving criticism from some Ghanaians, the former coach led Atsu to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While paying tribute to the late player, Avram Grant expressed his grief at the loss of a talented player.

Speaking to Sky Sports in an interview, Avram Grant said:

“He (Christian Atsu) was a lovely, lovely person always smiling, always happy.”

He never loses his cheerful disposition. He put in a lot of effort during the training. one of my all-time favorites.”

Christian Atsu, a former player for Newcastle United and Chelsea, was found dead following the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria nearly two weeks ago.

Since the February 6 earthquake that struck northern and western Syria as well as southern and central Turkey, the 31-year-old, who moved to Hatayspor in September 2022, has been missing. In the city of Hatay, Atsu’s body was later discovered beneath the rubble of the earthquake.