Christian Atsu's amazing free-kick for Newcastle vs Cardiff remembered | OneFootball

On Saturday morning, it was tragically confirmed that Christian Atsu has passed away.

The former Newcastle United winger had been missing for 12 days since the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have caused widespread destruction.

Atsu's apartment building in Antakya, Hatay, collapsed and the Ghanian was sadly found dead under the rubble.

His agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed the horrible news on Twitter, writing: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu's body was recovered this morning.

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"My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support."

All of us here at GIVEMESPORT send our deepest and sincerest condolences to Atsu's family and friends, as well as to all of those impacted by the awful events in Turkey and Syria.

In the wake of such horrible news, we feel it's only right to focus on some of the joy Atsu brought to football lovers around the world.

The 31-year-old, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, spent time at Chelsea, Bournemouth, Everton and Newcastle in English football.

Atsu moved to Hatyaspor in September 2022 following a short spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Raed.

His first goal for the Turkish club was a 97th minute winning free-kick, which came on the eve of the earthquake disaster.

It's a moment which is being shared all over social media - and so it should be.

There's also another clip featuring Atsu's footballing brilliance that deserves all of our attention.

The video in question features yet another free-kick goal by the Ghanaian and the strike against Cardiff in Newcastle's 2016/17 Championship campaign is seriously special.

It was a display of pure nonchalance from Atsu, the winger calmly lofting the ball into the goal like he was having a kick-about down the local park.

A goal which will live long in the memory of Newcastle fans.

The Magpies posted a touching statement on Twitter soon after the Atsu news was made official, which read: "We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey's devastating earthquakes.

"A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian."