Kudus wins Goal of the Month award for freekick he dedicated to Christian Atsu

Ajax player Mohammed Kudus has received the February 2023 Goal of the Month award for his strike in a Dutch Eredivisie match against Sparta Rotterdam on February 19.

Kudus scored his first-ever free-kick goal and celebrated by lifting his shirt to reveal a shirt with the inscription "Rest in Peace Atsu" in honour of the Christian Atsu who tragically passed away in Turkey.

Speaking about the goal and the award in a video posted on Ajax' social media pages, Kudus, who has been in fine form for the club, said:

"I will remember this trophy forever, every single time I saw this goal of the month (trophy) and I will remember the freekick definitely, the celebration is going to come in.

"So, this is going to be with me forever ... it is a special one for me personally."

Atsu was declared missing after the February 6 earthquake before his death was confirmed 12 days later when he was discovered under the rubble.

Kudus' solemn celebration was a touching tribute to his fellow Black Stars player, whose death left many heartbroken.

Atsu's body has since been flown back following which a one-week commemoration was held on March 4 ahead of the March 17 burial.

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The way of cheering was stronger than the goal' ????????????#GoalOfTheMonth | @CuracaoTravel

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 7, 2023