Thomas Partey has revealed an emotional tribute to former Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu after Arsenal's win over Bournemouth. Last month, tragedy struck as news emerged that the Ghanaian, who spent five years on Tyneside, was killed by the Turkish-Syrian earthquake.
Just hours earlier, Atsu scored a 97th-minute, free-kick winner against Kasimpasa. The disaster’s death toll is estimated to stand at 55,000, with Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut also losing his life.
St James’ Park paid tribute to one of their own before the Premier League defeat to Liverpool last month. Atsu’s widow Marie-Claire Rupio and his three children were in attendance for the minute's silence - which broke into rapturous applause.
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Fast forward a few weeks and Arsenal midfielder Partey has become the latest player to express his condolences. A fellow Ghanaian, the Gunners’ man represented his country alongside Atsu for three years.
Partey scored the first in Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Bournemouth - a result that cemented their lead at the top of the Premier League. At the full-time whistle, the 29-year-old unveiled a shirt with the words “rest well Christian Atsu” to honour his former teammate.
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