Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus has dedicated his Goal of the Month award to late friend Christian Atsu, saying it will be his source of remembrance of the “countryman” he grew up watching.
It comes weeks after dedicating the award-winning goal to Atsu, who died in the deadly Turkey earthquake.
Kudus’ stunning freekick against Sparta Rotterdam won the Lasse Schone award for the month of February.
The Black Stars midfielder netted the beautiful goal a day after Atsu’s lifeless body was found, 12 days after being trapped under rubble following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
“We all know what happened with the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It’s a difficult period for us as human beings and personally, Atsu is someone I know on a personal level, so it hits different,” Kudus said.
“Atsu means a lot to me, we all know his career. He has played for a lot of clubs and even here in the Eredivisie, he is my countryman and I grew up watching him. I have learnt a lot from him and he has advised me a couple of times.”
Kudus continued: “I will remember this trophy forever. Every time I see this trophy, I will remember the goal and the celebrations. This is a special one for me.”
Mohammed Kudus had earlier dedicated his free-kick goal to Christian Atsu, who died in devastating earthquakes that hit southern Türkiye earlier last month.
The 22-year-old midfielder celebrated his goal by removing his jersey to reveal a white shirt with “RIP Atsu” written on it.
Christian Atsu was found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake,
He had been playing for the Hatayspor club and had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle.
The winger played 65 times for Ghana’s national team and helped his side reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final.
