Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is saddened by the demise of Ghana and Hatayspor star Christian Atsu.
The 31-year was confirmed dead in the early hours of Saturday morning after his body was pulled out of the rubble following Turkey's devastating earthquake which has claimed many lives.
Atsu made his Black Stars debut under Kwesi Appiah back in 2012.
Speaking to Kumasi-based Akoma FM, Kwesi Appiah expressed pain over the tragic passing of the winger.
"I didn't believe news of Christian Atsu's death because of earlier false reportage on the incident. So I only believed it when his agent and club confirmed it an hour after I initially refused to believe the news of his demise.
I got broken since I got the news and this has really spoilt my day. We were all hoping that he would be rescued alive but for him to have been found dead, hmmmm so sad. I can't hold back my tears.
It's so sad to loose a person like Atsu who has dedicated his life to serving the interest of others.
I pray and hope that God keeps his family especially his two kids and wife.
May God keep him in the bosom of Abraham. Rest in peace"
Atsu had been trapped under rubble for over 11 days before his passing, with the earthquake claiming the lives of over 45,000 people.
The Ghanaian had recently scored his first goal for Hatayaspor just hours before the natural disaster struck.
During his career, Atsu played 65 matches for Ghana, scoring nine goals. Two of his most famous goals came in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Egypt and in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, quarter-finals clash against Guinea, where he scored an absolutely breathtaking goal.