I’m desperately sad – Jon Benjamin mourns Christian Atsu

Former British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin has joined the scores to mourn Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu’s death.

The diplomat revealed that he is desperately sad after hearing the news, noting that he will forever miss his friend.

According to Mr. Benjamin, the late Black Stars player was his good friend.

“I’m desperately sad to wake up here in Mexico to final confirmation of the tragic death in Turkey of my friend Christian Atsu, a baller, a gentleman, an exemplary person, gone far too soon. I’ll miss you. Thank you for being a friend,” read his tweet sighted by this portal in the afternoon of Saturday, February 18.

The 31-year-old was left in the rubble after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country.

Atsu who plays for the Turkish side, Hatayspor, together with the club's sporting director, Taner Savut were trapped in the rubble.

The player’s agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed the player’s death via a tweet sighted by this portal in the early hours of Saturday, February 18.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers that sadly Christian Atsu's body was recovered this morning.

“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support,” a portion of the tweet read.

He asked, “that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”

Christian Atsu was a Ghanaian professional football player who plays as a winger.

He was born on January 10, 1992, in Ada Foah, Ghana. Atsu started his professional football career with the Portuguese club FC Porto in 2011.

He made his debut for the club in October 2011 and won the Primeira Liga title in his first season.

Atsu has also played for several other clubs in his career, including Rio Ave, Vitesse, Bournemouth, Everton, Malaga, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Al-Raed, and finally Hatayspor in Turkey.

He has also represented the Ghana national team Black Stars, earning his first cap in 2012.

Atsu has represented Ghana in several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

Throughout his career, Atsu has been known for his pace and dribbling ability, as well as his ability to score goals and provide assists.

He has also been recognized for his charitable work, including the establishment of the Christian Atsu Foundation, which aims to provide support and opportunities for underprivileged children in Ghana.