Atsu’s character will be hard to replicate

The local manager of the late Christian Atsu, Abdul Hayye Yartey, says it will be very difficult and almost impossible to get a replacement for the player in the country.

He noted that Atsu was such a person whose attitude and character on and off the field was difficult to replicate and be identified among others.

"It will be very difficult to get someone like him, he is one in a generation, his on and off the field nature is almost impossible to get," he told the Graphic Sports in an exclusive telephone interview.

He revealed that Atsu's strong mentality was something that is unique about him and would seek to impart on his club and fellow players.

"There is something unique about Atsu, he had this strong mentality and I believe that was him, that's what I want to impart on my players and tell this generation about," said the president of second-tier side Cheetah FC. 

He revealed a memorial match would soon be staged in honour of the late player, including other posthumous honours being planned.

"We have constructed an Atro turf pitch and we are naming it after him, there is also a memorial match to be staged in his honour," he stated.

Mr Yartey, who managed Atsu during the early years of his career in Ghana, told the paper that in scouting and developing young talents, he would strive to look for players who have similar character, attitude and demeanour as Atsu.