Premier League outfit, Newcastle United, remember Ivorian midfieder, Cheick Tiote, who passed eight (8) years ago.
Newcastle United wrote: “Today marks eight years since Cheick Tioté’s tragic passing at the age of 30.
“Forever in our hearts. We miss you, Cheicky.”
Cheick Tiote, former Newcastle United midfieder, died after collapsing during training in China.
In his seven (7) years at St. James’ Park the Ivory Coast player made over 150 appearances; he moved to Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises from Newcastle.
Cheick Tiote was born in Ivory Coast; and was part of the Ivorian squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He kicked off his professional career in Belgium with Anderlecht in 2005 before moving to Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente, where he recorded eighty-six (86) appearances and clinched the Eredivisie league title in the 2009-10 season under manager Steve McClaren.
A defensive midfielder, Tiote, then put pen to paper for Newcastle in 2010 for £3.5m.
In February 2011, the Ivorian netted a outstanding goal as Newcastle United came from behind from four (4) goals down, external to draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
He successfully moved to Chinese side, Beijing Enterprises Group FC, for an undisclosed fee in February 2017.
Then manager of Newcastle United, Rafa Benitez, in his condolence, said: “In all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man.”
Tiote’s former manager at both Twente and Newcastle Steve McClaren described him as the “toughest player” he had ever encountered.
Mcclaren, in his condolence message, said: “He had the most beautiful smile in football. Every morning at Newcastle if (Papiss) Cisse and Cheike were smiling I knew the world was ok.
“I knew him first as a young player at Twente. He was the toughest player I’ve ever seen. On the field and in training he was such a competitor. He wanted to win every game, kick every player and win every tackle.
“He was the kind of player that everyone wants in their team. He was a winner. I just can’t believe it.
“It was his dream to play in China and I was so delighted for him when it happened. He earned money to look after his family. He loved playing football to look after his family. All the relatives, uncles, aunts, grandparents, they all relied on him to look after them.”
Photo: Cheick Tiote celebrates after scoring his only goal for Newcastle United in the Magpies leveller against Arsenal in the Premier League in 2011. Getty Images
