Rafael Benitez has paid an emotional tribute to Christian Atsu, whose body was found under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey.
“It’s really sad because he was a nice, nice, special person,” Benitez said on Sky Sports.
“He was a good professional. I don’t talk about if he’s a good player or not, he was a nice lad and a good player, but especially really nice person
“So a special person and everybody always, you can see the pictures, always with a smile playing or not playing.”
He added: “I was in contact with him last month.
“We were sharing some messages – it’s very difficult for me to express in English – but I was feeling so bad and I was trying to contact him.
“I was talking with an ex-player that was playing in Turkey and he told me that he was talking with a member of the staff and he was feeling that he had bad news.
“Also, I don’t want to forget the rest of the people because there are a lot of people that have been in a really difficult time and I think we have to help in a way and today we have to remember Christian. Really sad.”
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
