Who was Christian Atsu and what football clubs did he play for?

CHRISTIAN ATSU was a well known face to English football fans, having represented four different Premier League clubs during his career.

Here we look at his footballing career, what he has achieved, and his family life.

Who is Christian Atsu?

Christian Atsu was a Ghanaian International footballer who has played for four Premier League clubs.

He was signed by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in 2013, but his time with the Blues was restricted to appearances in friendlies.

He has enjoyed a successful career with his national side, having made 65 appearances since his debut in 2012.

He was named player of the tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored two goals as Ghana reached the final, where they lost on penalties to Ivory Coast.

Tragically Atsu was found dead 12 days after the Turkey earthquake, his manager confirmed.

The 31-year-old ex-Newcastle and Chelsea player was caught up in the devastating 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing more than 43,000 people.

What football clubs did Christian Atsu played for?

Atsu began his professional career at Porto, but was loaned out to Rio Ave in 2011.

He returned for the 2012/13 season, and helped Porto to win the Primeira Liga that season, making 29 appearances during his only full season in the first team.

After impressing in Portugal, Atsu signed for Premier League side Chelsea in September 2013.

He was immediately loaned out to Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem for the remainder of the 2013/14 season.

He had loan spells with Everton and Bournemouth, before signing for Newcastle on a four year contract in 2017 following a loan spell, where he helped the Magpies to the Championship title.

He left the north-east club in 2021 after making over 100 appearances, scoring eight times over his five years there.

After a short spell with Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia, Atsu joined Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor.

Was Christian Atsu married and does he have any children?

Atsu married Marie-Claire Rupio in 2012.

The pair are thought to have met during Atsu's time at Porto.

The couple had two sons and a daughter.