The 31-year-old footballer will be buried in his hometown later Friday
Text/Thomas Nadi
BBC News, Accra
Hundreds of people, including Ghana's president, paid their final tribute to Christian Atsu, who lost his life in last month's earthquake in Turkey.
He held a state funeral in the capital, Accra.
"My dear, I loved you when I was born and I loved you when I died." Marie-Claire Rupio, widow of the footballer, said with tears in her eulogy.
She was so excited that she handed the speech to Azin's sister to read.
"You didn't go alone, because part of me went with you," it continued. "Your smile, your love, I see it in the smile of our children."
Representatives of the Ghanaian national team and Atsu's Turkish club Hatayspor also attended the memorial ceremony for the man, whom many consider a national hero.
Sports Minister Mustafa Usif told the mourners: "Even at the peak of his career, Astu remained self-sufficient, never replaced by pride, arrogance or indiscipline. "His legacy will always be an inspiration."
Two weeks after the quake, Atsu's body was recovered from the rubble of the apartment complex.
It was returned to Ghana almost a month ago. Later, he will be buried in his home village in southeastern Ghana.
The 31-year-old has spent most of his career in the Premier League, including Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton.
Newcastle United fans recently honoured Atsu with a minute of applause
He also made 65 appearances for Ghana and helped Ghana reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea – where he was awarded the tournament's goal and player.
Many Ghanaians told the BBC that Atsu will be remembered for his love of humanity and support for the country's vulnerable groups.
On Tuesday, hundreds of mourners and well-wishers lined up to walk past Atsu's body to say goodbye.
Drum music and brass bands have become part of a colorful cultural display at other solemn events.
Christian Atsu's widow, Marie-Claire Rupio, attended with their children
Hundreds of well-wishers appeared, paying their respects in many different ways.
[News source: BBC News]