The footballing world pays tribute to the late, great Cheick Tiote
Yesterday we learned some truly devastating news. Former NUFC midfielder Cheick Tiote tragically passed away at the age of 30, following a heart attack whilst training for Chinese club Beijing Enterprises.
The news has left not only Newcastle fans and staff utterly stunned and saddened, but has sent shockwaves through the entire footballing world, with tributes flying in from across the globe from all who knew him.
Cheick was a fierce competitor, a warrior on the field who left nothing out on the pitch, but off it he had a softer side.
From the tributes you are about to see, it is clear what a great guy he was, with so many players who played with or against Cheick speaking so highly of the man following yesterday's devastating news.
Without further adieu, here are some of the heartfelt messages that have since been posted by all who got to know him, starting with Vincent Kompany - who played with Tiote at Anderlecht at the start of his career.
https://twitter.com/VincentKompany/status/871757607727501313
https://twitter.com/didierdrogba/status/871777720748855297
https://twitter.com/Lascelles16/status/871758841729486848
https://twitter.com/Lascelles16/status/871759202523414530
https://twitter.com/CissePapiss/status/871757802364121090
https://twitter.com/IsaacHayden65/status/871769082839879680
https://twitter.com/the_dilsh/status/871778794754932736
https://twitter.com/dannysimpson/status/871761507599757313
https://twitter.com/siemdejong/status/871757760077189121
https://twitter.com/BigiGOfficial/status/871764303824773121
https://twitter.com/TimKrul/status/871761557658533888
https://twitter.com/lovenkrands11/status/871761005721899008
https://twitter.com/AyozePG/status/871761638029795328
https://twitter.com/MoussaSissoko/status/871834903905808385
https://twitter.com/elgalgojonas/status/871754685761323008
https://twitter.com/RolandoAarons/status/871817651089231879
https://twitter.com/mbemba22/status/871810005363826689
https://twitter.com/GWijnaldum/status/871764999764664320
https://twitter.com/reelM_abeid/status/871757237424766977
https://twitter.com/ChrisDHWaugh/status/871761980813705216
https://twitter.com/milesstarforth/status/871760787743940609
https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/871761740698136576
https://twitter.com/dankingNUFC/status/871759246173589504
https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/871764204465909760
The above message hits the nail on the head - his stoppage time equaliser against Arsenal produced one of the great comebacks of Premier League history and a moment that will never leave NUFC fans.
Gone but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, Cheick.
