Atsu could have played to the highest level if not injury – Coach Kwasi Appiah

Christian Atsu’s professional football career ended in Turkey with Hatayspor after signing a year contract as a free agent.

In less than month fours, his stint with Hatayspor came to an end upon confirmation of his death following a devastating earthquake in Turkey early February, 2023. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake took the lives of over 2,000 people including Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu Twasam.

Atsu, 31, played for Portuguese giant’s FC Porto before joining English side Chelsea FC where he spend some seasons on loan to Malaga, AFC Bournemouth, FC Everton and Newcastle United before a permanent move to the Magpies in 2017.

But his time was cut short after picking a terrible injury.

The setback took him out for months and later left Newcastle United FC but had to land in Turkey, sealing a move with Hatayspor.

In 2015 African Cup of Nations tournament in Guinea, Atsu Twasam was crown best player of the tournament and won the goal of the same competition. However, he could not enjoy his qualities till his departure.

Former Ghana Coach, Kwasi Appiah who discovered the winger says Christian Atsu could have shown the world what he was made off had it not being the injury he suffered years back.

“Since, the time he came to the national team his performance kept rising because from FC Porto he joined Chelsea then to Newcastle United but from Castle injury set in, most of the times when injuries handcuff players it redraws you back from what you want to achieve”, Appiah told Subanpa FM in Kumasi as monitored by Nkrataasem.com 

“After treating his injury, Atsu couldn’t return to his best and that lead to his exit at Newcastle United”

“Had it not been the injury, the qualities Atsu possessed he could have played at the top level before now”.

Atsu made 65 national team appearance for the Black Stars and played in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Story Kolog Bonaventure