Comedian reveals touching act by footballer Christian Atsu as Premier League ace’s body flown home to his native Ghana
A COMEDIAN has revealed how the late Christian Atsu paid for his school fees in a touching act of kindness.
Emmanuel Iwueke said he reached out to the Premier League ace, who was tragically found dead on Saturday in the rubble of the Turkey earthquake, for help in 2015.
The comedian, known as Craze Clown, said the ex-Newcastle and Chelsea player offered to pay his fees until he graduated from school.
Iwueke, from Nigeria, shared a screenshot of the conversation with Atsu – who promised to make sure he completed school.
In the texts, Atsu told Iwueke: “I will make sure you complete your school. And get a good job.”
The comedian described the late footballer as a “great friend”.
“Christian has been supporting me from way back in 2015,” he said.
“When I lost my dad, he l reached out and offered to pay my fees till I graduated and he did.
“You’ve been a great friend of mine, Chris, and I will surely miss you.
“I really can’t hold back the tears. Rest well brother.”
Big-hearted Atsu donated to many schools and orphanages, and strived to help Ghanaian children.
It comes as his body is due to be flown home to the country on Sunday evening.
His body was found under the rubble 12 days after the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey.
He had been scheduled to fly out of the country hours before the quake struck at 4am local time.
But the Ghana star reportedly cancelled his flight to stay with teammates after scoring the dramatic game-winning goal in a Super Lig match the day before on February 5.
After days of desperately searching for Atsu, his manager said his body was tragically discovered buried in the rubble on Saturday.
Turkey’s foreign ministry said his body will be flown home on Sunday.
“The remains will be accompanied by his family and Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airlines flight and will arrive in Accra at 7.40pm on Sunday,” it said.
Rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
Atsu’s older brother and twin sister were at the scene when his body was recovered.
His agent Nana Sechere said: “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.”
Atsu, who has three kids with wife Marie-Claire, spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.
Several members of his new team had to be rescued from their homes after the earthquake struck at 4am local time.
Tributes poured in for the midfielder, with his club describing him as a “beautiful person”.
Players across the UK also held a minute’s silence or a minute’s applause before kick off on Saturday in a touching tribute to the star.
His devastated wife Marie-Claire and kids were in attendance at St James’ Park as Newcastle paid tribute to the late winger.
His club Hatayspor said: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
“Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
Atsu began his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.
Terry, who captained the team at the time, tweeted a picture of Atsu alongside the message: “RIP my friend.”
Another member of the Chelsea squad at the time, Michael Essien, said: “Rest well king.”
Newcastle United described Atsu as a “talented player and a special person”.
“We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” it said.
“A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
Atsu is one of more than 46,000 people who have now died in Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes struck on February 6.
The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi said the death toll in the country is set to rise as teams scramble to reach buildings in hard-hit areas.
The Sun Earthquake Appeal, which we launched to support the Red Cross, has now raised over £1 million with readers donating £110,000.