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Image source, Reuters
The 31-year-old footballer will be buried later on Friday in his home village
By Thomas Naadi
BBC News, Accra
Hundreds of people including Ghana's president are paying their last respects to Christian Atsu, who died in last month's earthquake in Turkey.
His funeral is being held outside State House in Ghana's capital, Accra.
"In life I love you darling, in death I'll do the same," read the tearful tribute from the footballer's widow, Marie-Claire Rupio.
She was overcome with emotion and handed her speech to Atsu's sister to finish reading.
Representatives of Ghana's national team and Atsu's Turkish club Hatayspor were also at the ceremony for a man seen by many as a national hero.
Atsu's body was recovered a fortnight after the quake from the rubble of his apartment building.
It was returned to Ghana almost a month ago. He will be buried later in his home village in south-eastern Ghana.
Atsu, 31, spent most of his career playing in the English Premier League for clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton.
Image source, PA Media
Image caption,Newcastle United fans recently honoured Atsu's memory with a minute's applause
He also made 65 appearances for Ghana, and helped the national side reach the finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea - where he was awarded goal and player of the tournament.
Many Ghanaians have told the BBC that Atsu will be remembered for his love for humanity, and for supporting the underprivileged in the country.
Hundreds of mourners and well-wishers filed past Atsu's body on Tuesday to say their farewells.
Drumming and brass bands have been part of the colourful cultural display at an otherwise solemn event.
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,Loved ones and well-wishers turned out in their hundreds
Respects were paid in many different ways
Football-themed hats were on display
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,Drummers were also part of the proceedings
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