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Avram Grant, former Ghana coach, recently spoke about his role in Christian Atsu’s success at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Despite Atsu’s lack of playing time and injuries prior to the tournament, Grant included him in the squad. Atsu went on to win the best player award and goal of the tournament accolade.
Grant praised Atsu’s mental strength and character, recalling how he had not played for half a year and was not even on the list due to injury. Grant had noticed Atsu’s talent during his time playing for Chelsea and in the Netherlands. Despite scepticism from others, he decided to include Atsu in the team and worked with Jamie Lawrence, the fitness coach, to prepare him for the tournament.
Atsu had said that he did not care how much he played, as he was proud to represent Ghana and wanted to contribute after the disappointment of the World Cup. Unfortunately, Atsu passed away recently in a Turkish earthquake, and plans are underway for his funeral.