To honor Christian Atsu, Newcastle supporters donate money to construct a school in Ghana

Newcastle United football club supporters have started a fundraising campaign in Christian Atsu's honor in an effort to fulfill the former winger's wish to build a new school in Ghana.

As it was revealed that the 31-year-old winger for the Magpies and Chelsea had died in the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, tributes poured in from his former clubs.

Newcastle lost 2-0 to Liverpool on Saturday after holding a moment of silence for Atsu. Now, a supporter group called Talk of Tyneside has started a fundraising campaign to support a cause close to Atsu's heart.

Atsu, who served as an ambassador for the group Arms Around the Child, contributed to the construction of this new school.

The radio show's hosts are pleading with listeners in Ghana to contribute to finishing the work that he started there. Already, more than £600 has been given to the Talk of Tyneside relief fund for Ghana.

According to Talk of Tyneside, "Christian Atsu was a well-loved character in Tyneside, and this has been highlighted by the number of tributes provided to him by Newcastle United Football club and its followers."

"Raising money for a fantastic charity that he worked with feels like the perfect way to do so," the club said after his death. "Following his passing, we were hoping to find a way to give supporters a way to show their appreciation for his service to the club."

"Christian touched the lives of so many people with his charitable work, and we are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to complete the school buildings in Senya Beraku — and support the children he loved so much," said Ellie Milner of Arms Around The Child.