Cheick Tioté, the former Newcastle United midfielder, has died of a suspected heart attack while training with his new club Beijing Enterprise in China.The Ivory Coast international, who made more than 150 appearances for Newcastle during a seven-year stay on Tyneside, collapsed at Enterprise’s training ground on Monday morning and died in hospital.
Tributes have poured in for the 30-year-old, who signed from Dutch club FC Twente in 2010 and was hugely popular with team-mates and supporters.
Although injuries had taken their toll on the midfielder during the latter stages of his Newcastle career, restricting him to just three appearances this season, Tiote remained a charismatic presence at the club’s training ground until his departure for China four months ago.
Tioté, who was signed for just £3.5m from Twente, was a key player in the Newcastle side that finished fifth in 2012 and, in his prime, was considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the country.
He scored just one goal for the Magpies, but it was one of the most memorable in the club’s recent history as he smashed in a 30-yard volley to equalise against Arsenal in a 4-4 draw at St James’ Park back in February 2011.
“I’m devastated to hear the news about my former player and
friend Cheick Tioté,” said Pardew. “From the moment I arrived at
Newcastle, he was a wonderful presence around the dressing room and his
performances on the field often defied belief.
“There were days when he must have covered every blade of grass on a football field and it didn’t surprise me that clubs like Manchester United were being linked with attempts to sign him.
“None of us will ever forget that incredible day when our Newcastle team came from 4-0 down to draw an unbelievable Premier League game against Arsenal, Cheick’s wonderful late goal is one of the iconic moments of Premier League history.
“There were days when he must have covered every blade of grass on a football field and it didn’t surprise me that clubs like Manchester United were being linked with attempts to sign him.
“None of us will ever forget that incredible day when our Newcastle team came from 4-0 down to draw an unbelievable Premier League game against Arsenal, Cheick’s wonderful late goal is one of the iconic moments of Premier League history.
“I loved him. He’s everything that you want in a Newcastle
United player. He has the quality, but never underestimate the fact that
he wanted to win.”
Current Newcastle manager, Rafa Benítez, also praised Tioté character as he continued to work hard in training even though he rarely played for the first team this season before leaving for Beijing in February.
Current Newcastle manager, Rafa Benítez, also praised Tioté character as he continued to work hard in training even though he rarely played for the first team this season before leaving for Beijing in February.
“It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick's death,” Benitez told the club’s official website.
"In the all the time that I have known him, he was a true
professional, dedicated and above all, a great man. Our hearts go out
to his family and friends at such a sad time."
Tioté was hugely popular at Newcastle’s Benton training base and the club posted a video of his spectacular goal against Arsenal with the words “we will never forget you".
His team-mates also took to social media to pay their own personal tributes with virtually all praising his attitude and commitment.
Tioté was hugely popular at Newcastle’s Benton training base and the club posted a video of his spectacular goal against Arsenal with the words “we will never forget you".
His team-mates also took to social media to pay their own personal tributes with virtually all praising his attitude and commitment.
The
former West Ham and Chelsea striker, Demba Ba, who spent a season on
Tyneside with Tioté was one of the first to reveal the tragic news on
Twitter when he wrote: “May Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tioté.”
Joey Barton also tweeted: “Devastated to hear of Cheik Tioté's death. A wonderful man, who was always laughing or smiling. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Newcastle defender Paul Dummett thanked him for helping him adapt to life in the first team after graduating from the club’s Academy.
Joey Barton also tweeted: “Devastated to hear of Cheik Tioté's death. A wonderful man, who was always laughing or smiling. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Newcastle defender Paul Dummett thanked him for helping him adapt to life in the first team after graduating from the club’s Academy.
He
wrote: “Gutted to hear the news. A real nice guy. He helped me a lot as
I was breaking into the first team so I can't thank him enough. RIP
Cheicky.”
Details
of what happened in China remained vague on Monday evening with the
only official confirmation coming from the player’s agent, Emanuele
Palladino.
He
said: "It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick
Tiote 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."
Source: telegraph
"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."
Source: telegraph
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