Chelsea and Everton unite to raise money for a charity supported by their late former player Christian Atsu - as duo auction match-worn shirts from last month's 2-2 draw to help finish a school he was building in Ghana
- Chelsea and Everton have joined forces to help out a charity for Christian Atsu
- Atsu, who represented both clubs, tragically died at the age of just 31 in February
- The two teams are auctioning off shirts for the Arms Around The Child charity
Chelsea and Everton have teamed up to raise money for a charity promoted by the late Christian Atsu - after Newcastle fans launched a fundraiser in February.
Atsu, who represented both sides in a 12-year career, tragically passed away at the age of 31 in February after an earthquake which struck Turkey, where Atsu was playing for Hatayspor, and Syria.
The Ghanaian was laid to rest at a state funeral in the capital city Accra in March before being buried in his hometown Dogobome, Ada Foah.
And following his death, the two sides have now united to support the Arms Around The Child (AATC) charity championed by Atsu.
The Blues and the Toffees are auctioning the match-worn shirts from their Premier League game at Stamford Bridge last month.
![Chelsea and Everton have teamed up to raise money for a charity supported by former player Christian Atsu, who passed away at the age of 31 in February after an earthquake in Turkey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/04/09/69453817-11936595-image-a-59_1680596629732.jpg)
Chelsea and Everton have teamed up to raise money for a charity supported by former player Christian Atsu, who passed away at the age of 31 in February after an earthquake in Turkey
![Ghanaian winger Atsu (above) represented both clubs in a 12-year career across six countries](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/04/09/69453815-11936595-image-a-61_1680596689482.jpg)
Ghanaian winger Atsu (above) represented both clubs in a 12-year career across six countries
![Both clubs are auctioning off match-worn shirts from their game at Stamford Bridge in March](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/04/09/69453821-11936595-image-a-63_1680596752929.jpg)
Both clubs are auctioning off match-worn shirts from their game at Stamford Bridge in March
The news comes after Magpies supporters started a fundraiser for the same cause in February. Newcastle also announced they will auction shirts from the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
Money raised will help to finish the school the AATC and Atsu began building in Senya Beraku, Ghana in 2018. Atsu, who frequently visited the children's home, was the school's primary benefactor due to his passion for providing children with education.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said: 'This initiative allows us to celebrate the life of Christian, an individual who was well-loved within the club and someone we deeply miss.
'On March 18th we faced another of Christian's former teams, Everton, and it feels appropriate that we look to build on the fantastic charity work Christian had started with Arms Around The Child to build a new school that will benefit orphaned children in his home country.
'Christian's wonderful personality shone through during the times we shared together and any contribution to the shirt auction will offer valuable support towards the legacy he leaves behind.'
Everton skipper Seamus Coleman added: 'Everyone connected with the club was devastated to hear the terrible news about Christian. I remember him fondly from his brief time with us, as a warm, unassuming person whose personality shone brightly.
'This project to build a new school for orphaned children is a fitting legacy for someone who never forgot his humble roots.
'Hopefully, the shirt auction will help achieve that aim and Christian's name will forever be associated with such a worthwhile venture.'
![The news comes after fans of Newcastle United - another of Atsu's former clubs - started a fundraiser in honour of him back in February](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/02/20/12/67877575-11771769-image-a-41_1676894894341.jpg)
The news comes after fans of Newcastle United - another of Atsu's former clubs - started a fundraiser in honour of him back in February
![The charity initiative has already raised more than £600 as fans look to finish building a school in Ghana - a project close to Atsu's heart given his advocacy for educating children](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/04/04/09/67877729-11771769-The_charity_initiative_has_already_raised_more_than_600_as_fans_-a-11_1680596402434.jpg)
The charity initiative has already raised more than £600 as fans look to finish building a school in Ghana - a project close to Atsu's heart given his advocacy for educating children
Follow the auction for Chelsea match-worn shirts:
https://www.matchwornshirt.com/event/18-03-2023-chelsea-everton
Follow the auction for Everton match-worn shirts:
https://www.matchwornshirt.com/event/18-03-2023-chelsea-everton-64
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