The world of football was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of winger Christian Atsu at the age of 31, with the Ghanian international among the victims of the tragic earthquake which affected Turkey and Syria.

The former Newcastle United and Porto player had been playing for Hatayaspor in Turkey at the time.

No one in the world of football felt the loss of Atsu more than his former teammates, and Inter striker Romelu Lukaku was a friend from the pair’s time together at Everton.

Lukaku posted a message on his Instagram account paying tribute to Atsu.

It read, “Rest easy brother
This one is a hard one to take …
It was amazing to be around you
You’re humbleness and love for God
The way how you worked in training
The love you had for your family and kids

May God give all the strength to your kids and family …
God bless your soul 🕊
Love you always”

 

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A post shared by Romelu Lukaku (@romelulukaku)