Chelsea and Everton have teamed up to raise money for a charity promoted by the late Christian Atsu after Newcastle fans launched a fundraiser in February. The Blues and the Toffees are auctioning the match-worn shirts from their Premier League game at Stamford Bridge last month.
The Ghanaian was laid to rest at a state funeral in the capital city Accra in March before being buried in his hometown Dogobome, Ada Foah. And following his death, the two sides have now united to support the Arms Around The Child (AATC) charity championed by Atsu.
Chelsea and Everton have teamed up to raise money for a charity supported by former player Christian Atsu, who passed away at the age of 31 in February after an earthquake in Turkey. Atsu, who represented both sides in a 12-year career, tragically passed away at the age of 31 in February after an earthquake which struck Turkey, where Atsu was playing for Hatayspor, and Syria.
Money raised will help to finish the school the AATC and Atsu began building in Senya Beraku, Ghana in 2018. Atsu, who frequently visited the children’s home, was the school’s primary benefactor due to his passion for providing children with education. The news comes after Magpies supporters started a fundraiser for the same cause in February. Newcastle also announced they will auction shirts from the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
‘Christian’s wonderful personality shone through during the times we shared together and any contribution to the shirt auction will offer valuable support towards the legacy he leaves behind.’ Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said: ‘This initiative allows us to celebrate the life of Christian, an individual who was well-loved within the club and someone we deeply miss.
Everton skipper Seamus Coleman added: ‘Everyone connected with the club was devastated to hear the terrible news about Christian. I remember him fondly from his brief time with us, as a warm, unassuming person whose personality shone brightly.
‘On March 18th we faced another of Christian’s former teams, Everton, and it feels appropriate that we look to build on the fantastic charity work Christian had started with Arms Around The Child to build a new school that will benefit orphaned children in his home country.
The news comes after fans of Newcastle United another of Atsu’s former clubs started a fundraiser in honour of him back in February .The charity initiative has already raised more than £600 as fans look to finish building a school in Ghana a project close to Atsu’s heart given his advocacy for educating children.
‘This project to build a new school for orphaned children is a fitting legacy for someone who never forgot his humble roots.‘Hopefully, the shirt auction will help achieve that aim and Christian’s name will forever be associated with such a worthwhile venture.’
