‘You were my everyday guy’ – Mubarak Wakaso pays touching tribute to his best friend Christian Atsu

Mubarak Wakaso, the Genk midfielder, remains deeply saddened by the loss of his close friend and former Black Stars teammate, Christian Atsu.

Despite being unable to attend Atsu’s funeral on Friday due to club commitments, Wakaso shared a poignant tribute expressing his struggle to accept Atsu’s sudden death.

Atsu tragically passed away in February after being trapped under rubble during a massive earthquake that struck Turkey. Wakaso and Atsu shared a close bond, making Wakaso one of the people who came to mind when the news broke.

In his tribute, Wakaso expressed his profound grief, saying, “I can’t find the words to express how I feel. Since the earthquake on February 6th, I’ve been hoping you’re still alive. I never thought this hope would turn into sadness.”

“You were my everyday guy, my friend, my brother. We played together, laughed together, and ate together. You were someone I trusted with everything because you were always there for me in good and bad times. I’ve been here just looking at our pictures, reading our messages, and watching our videos. All I have now are memories that I’ll always cherish. Rest in perfect peace. Love from your brother Wakaso Mubarak.”

Atsu was only 31 years old and is survived by his wife Marie-Claire Rupio and children.