CHRISTIAN Atsu's physique arrived dwelling in Ghana to a guard of honour a day after he was discovered lifeless within the rubble of the Turkey earthquake.
Ministers mentioned the ex-Newcastle and Chelsea winger, 31, can have a "befitting burial" because the nation mourns one among its main sportsmen.
Atsu's lifeless physique was recovered on Saturday from his collapsed residence constructing in Antakya, in southern Turkey.
The tragic discover - 12 days after the devastating 7.8-magnitude quake - got here after confused earlier experiences wrongly mentioned he had been discovered alive amid the chaos.
Final night time a aircraft carrying him dwelling was obtained at Accra airport by Ghana's Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and a big navy honour guard.
Troopers carried his coffin - draped within the nationwide flag - previous a crowd of mourners on the tarmac.
Mr Bawumia mentioned: "We hoped towards hope, each day that handed, we prayed and prayed.
"However alas, when he was discovered, he was no extra."
He mentioned the soccer ace was a lot liked and could be sorely missed, including: "It's a painful loss, a really painful one."
Atsu's physique was taken to a navy hospital mortuary forward of a funeral anticipated within the coming days.
The ex-Prem star performed 65 instances for Ghana's nationwide workforce and helped his aspect attain the ultimate of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
He had been because of fly out of Turkey hours earlier than the quake struck at 4am native time.
However he determined to stick with Hatayspor teammates after scoring the dramatic winner in a Tremendous Lig match the day earlier than on February 5.
The Turkish membership initially mentioned he had been rescued from his luxurious residence constructing.
However the workforce physician then mentioned he was nonetheless lacking, and his agent and relations then spent greater than per week in a determined search.
Atsu's older brother and twin sister have been on the scene when his physique was recovered on Saturday.
His agent Nana Sechere mentioned: "It's with the heaviest of hearts that I've to announce to all wellwishers that sadly Christian Atsu's physique was recovered this morning.
"My deepest condolences go to his household and family members. I wish to take this chance to thank everybody for his or her prayers and assist."
Tributes poured in after the information of his demise, together with his membership describing him as a "stunning individual".
Hatayspor, who he joined in September, mentioned: "We'll always remember you, Atsu.
"Peace be upon you, stunning individual. There aren't any phrases to explain our unhappiness."
Ghana captain Mohammed Kudus eliminated his shirt after scoring for Dutch aspect Ajax yesterday to disclose a white shirt with "RIP Atsu" written on it.
On Saturday Atsu's spouse Marie-Claire Rupio and their three youngsters joined followers marking a minute's silence in Newcastle earlier than the aspect's Premier League tie towards Liverpool.
Atsu performed for Newcastle from 2016 to 2021.
His face was proven on the large display screen and away followers chanted "you will by no means stroll alone", earlier than breaking into applause.
There was additionally a minute's silence earlier than kickoff at different Premier League grounds throughout the nation.
Atsu started his Prem profession with Chelsea, earlier than shifting to Newcastle United and Everton.
Terry, who captained the Cheslea on the time, tweeted an image of Atsu alongside the message: "RIP my pal."
One other Chelsea teammate Michael Essien mentioned: "Relaxation nicely king."
Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi additionally paid tribute.
And Dwight Gayle mentioned: "It was a pleasure to share our time collectively and also you was one of many nicest folks I’ve met in soccer from opening colleges again dwelling to only having a relentless smile day after day.
"The world wants extra folks such as you and you'll be really missed. RIP brother."
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added: "Horrible unhappy information about Christian Atsu. Ideas and prayers together with his household and pals."
Newcastle United mentioned: "We're profoundly saddened to study that Christian Atsu has tragically misplaced his life in Turkey's devastating earthquakes.
"A gifted participant and a particular individual, he'll all the time be fondly remembered by our gamers, employees and supporters."
Greater than 44,000 folks are actually believed to have died in Turkey and Syria.
And freezing situations and problem getting help to distant areas is fuelling an extra humanitarian catastrophe.
The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi mentioned the demise toll within the nation is about to rise as groups scramble to succeed in buildings in hard-hit areas.
The Solar Earthquake Enchantment has now raised over £1 million to assist the Crimson Cross.
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