Why was Christian Atsu not playing for Ghana?
Ghana winger Christian Atsu has revealed that he did not leave the national team but instead chose to focus on his club career after reaching an agreement with Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor.
Christian Atsu Twasam is a Ghanaian professional footballer who currently plays for Hatayspor of the Turkish Super Ligue and the Ghana national team. Atsu is primarily used as a winger, but he has also been used as an attacking midfielder.
Atsu began his career with Porto before moving on to Rio Ave for a season. Chelsea signed him for £3.5 million in 2013, and he has since been loaned to Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, AFC Bournemouth, and Málaga. After spending the 2016-17 season on loan at Newcastle United, he signed a permanent deal in May 2017.
Since his debut in 2012, Atsu has earned over 30 caps for Ghana, including appearances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Atsu assisted the team to a runner-up finish at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was also named Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament.