EX TOON ACE CHEICK DROPS DEAD AT 30
Players’ touching tributes to Tioté
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TRIBUTES poured in last night for ex-Newcastle United ace Cheick Tioté, who died suddenly while training.
The 30-year-old reportedly collapsed while with his new team Beijing Enterprises in China.
He was taken to hospital yesterday afternoon but died soon afterwards. Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany described Tioté as one of the “nicest and toughest team-mates” he had played with.
Kompany, who was with the midfielder at Anderlecht in Belgium, added: “I am speechless and so incredibly sad.”
Former Newcastle teammate Demba Ba tweeted: “May Allah give grant you jannah [paradise] brother Tioté.”
Born in the Ivory Coast, Tioté first played football barefoot in the street when he was 10.
He did not even own a pair of football boots until the age of 15.
He made his professional debut in 2005 for Anderlecht, before he moved to FC Twente in the Dutch league.
In 2010 the defensive midfielder joined Newcastle for £3.5million. He stayed for seven years and made 156 appearances.
Famous
During that time he only scored one goal for Newcastle – the equaliser in the team’s famous 4-4 draw against Arsenal in 2011.
His last game for the Toon was in a 3-1 win over Birmingham in January.
Confirming his death, his representative Emanuele Palladino said: “It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tioté sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises.
“We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. We ask for all your prayers.”
Newcastle goalie Tim Krul wrote on Twitter: “Deeply sad to hear the news about Cheick.. One of my favourite team-mates. My thoughts are with his family.”
Former Magpies keeper Shay Given said: “Shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Cheick Tioté, I pass on my condolences to his friends & family, way too young #ripcheickTiote.”
A Fifa spokesman said: “Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Cheick Tioté, who passed away today in China, aged just 30. Rest in peace.”