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I’m in pain…Asamoah Gyan recounts how he first met Christian Atsu in 2012
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
The Heartfelt Philanthropy Network and fellows of Elevate Africa Fellowship have visited the Street Academy in Accra to support its efforts to improve the welfare and development of children.
The visit formed part of efforts by the organisations to give back to the community and promote opportunities for children through education, healthcare and other social support programmes.
Ms Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Founder and Director of the Heartfelt Philanthropy Network, said the organisation had supported the Street Academy since 2019 because of its commitment to serving vulnerable children. Read More.
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Alberta Afia Asomaniwa Akoto, popularly known as “Landlady,” has declared her intention to contest as the Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Okaikwei North Constituency.
In a statement shared on Friday, Ms. Akoto said Okaikwei North has been her home for more than 40 years, where she has lived among the people, shared in their joys and challenges, and built lasting connections with the community.
“I am in the race because I believe our community deserves dedicated service, a listening ear and a strong voice. I am ready to work with you, listen to your concerns and help build a brighter future for Okaikwei North,” she said.
“Dear Okaikwei North, your girl is here one of your own, ready to serve,” she added.
Ms. Akoto said service is not just a responsibility but a commitment to the people and the community they call home.
Having dedicated herself to serving and supporting the people of the constituency, she said she wishes to continue the journey of service with renewed commitment, greater dedication and a stronger vision.
Her vision, she noted, is to build on the progress made, listen to the concerns of the people, empower the youth, support women, create opportunities and champion development that benefits every community in the constituency.
“I believe that together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Okaikwei North,” she added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
