Christian Atsu: Partner 'hopes his name will never go away' after losing life in Turkey earthquakes

Christian Atsu played 121 games for Newcastle successful 2 spells and near the nine successful 2021

Christian Atsu's spouse Marie-Claire Rupio says she "hopes his sanction volition ne'er spell away", six months aft his tragic death.

They claimed much than 50,000 lives with Atsu, 31, recovered dormant nether the rubble of his location successful Antakya connected 18 February, astir 2 weeks aft the quakes.

He and Rupio had 3 children together, aged nine, six and 3 astatine the clip of his loss.

"For me, it's precise important that his sanction is inactive there, particularly for the children, that helium was known, that helium was loved by everybody," she says.

"I conscionable anticipation that his sanction volition ne'er spell away."

Speaking to media for the archetypal clip since his passing, Rubio describes the disorder implicit whether Atsu was safe, proceeding astir developments connected the vigor and the interaction his decease has had connected her and their children.

'I was shocked, it was hard to believe'

Atsu was successful Turkey having signed for Hatayspor past September, portion his household remained successful Newcastle.

Rupio past spoke with him connected Saturday, 4 February, and due to the fact that his squad were playing Kasimpasa the adjacent day, helium planned to talk with her again connected the Monday.

Atsu scored the game's lone extremity successful stoppage clip and his spouse messaged to congratulate him. His reply to convey her would beryllium the past interaction they had.

On the Monday, Rupio heard astir the earthquake connected the vigor portion driving.

"I didn't judge that it could hap successful a spot [where] helium would be," she said. "As a quality being, you deliberation this can't hap to you oregon anybody you love.

"I was similar 'he's good and helium volition call'. But past aft a portion his sister called and told maine that his gathering had wholly collapsed. I was shocked, it was hard to believe."

Subsequent quality reports created disorder implicit what had happened with Atsu, who made 121 appearances for Newcastle betwixt 2016 and 2021.

More to follow.

• In pictures: Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu laid to rest
• Watch - Christian Atsu: 'You served our state well. Rest successful peace'
• Listen - Sportshour remembers Christian Atsu

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