Marie-Claire Rupio, the widow of the late Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu Twasam, has paid an emotional tribute to her late husband as he is laid to rest today, March 17.
The tribute was read on her behalf by the twin sister of the late footballer during the final funeral rites as the distraught wife could not control her tears.
She had managed to keep a straight face for parts of the ceremony as she carried their youngest child, but she broke down when it was time to read the tribute.
Marie-Claire’s tribute eulogized her husband as a loving partner and a great father to their children.
“Lying before me today is the mortal remains of a beloved father and husband. I knew little that morning that God was going to call you home. In life, I love you dearly. In death, I do the same. It breaks my heart to lose you,” the tribute read.
“You did not go alone. For part of me went with you. Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you, you are always on my side. You were always so full of life. I see your smile, your love, in our children’s smiles. You are never really gone, as part of you is within them. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
Atsu’s body was found on Saturday, February 18, after a week of search following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023.
His body was brought from Turkey to Ghana on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
A burial and thanksgiving service was held at the forecourt of the State House for family, friends and loved ones to pay their final respect.