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.
I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tioté was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 5, 2017
No words ?????????????????? #cheicktiote
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) June 5, 2017
There are not words to express how saddened I am to hear the news that Cheick has died this afternoon . I have spoken to the team –
— Jamaal Lascelles (@Lascelles16) June 5, 2017
And non of us can believe it, my thoughts are with his family at this time. RIP Cheicky ❤️
— Jamaal Lascelles (@Lascelles16) June 5, 2017
Goodnight brother, You will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Gone too soon #RIPcheiktiote
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) June 5, 2017
Can't believe it… RIP Cheick Tiote ? pic.twitter.com/qk8WMXj22K
— Isaac Hayden (@IsaacHayden65) June 5, 2017
Rip chieky-man… you absolute warrior ?
— Rob Elliot (@the_dilsh) June 5, 2017
I can't believe the news about Cheick. It's so sad. It was a pleasure to know you and play with you. Always put a smile on my face #RIP ❤ pic.twitter.com/cedUjzuQyC
— Danny Simpson (@dannysimpson) June 5, 2017
Terrible news, R.I.P. Tiote. Always enjoyed sitting next to you in the dressing room my friend.
— Siem de Jong (@siemdejong) June 5, 2017
Can't believe the news. It was an honour to be on the pitch with you thank you for treating me as your little brother at NUFC.
RIP bro ? pic.twitter.com/cEfDpPySWz— Gael Bigirimana (@BigiGOfficial) June 5, 2017
Deeply sad to hear the news about Cheick.. One of my favourite teammates.. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/FvS6TdDctP
— Tim Krul (@TimKrul) June 5, 2017
Amazing guy and teammate we will miss you and never forget you my friend! #RIPCheicky ? ???? https://t.co/tUhvakdZlf
— Peter Lovenkrands (@lovenkrands11) June 5, 2017
I can't belive it. No words. I am broken. RIP Cheick
Sin palabras, no puedo creerlo… descansa en paz amigo pic.twitter.com/aJzoBaP9YV— Ayoze Perez (@AyozePG) June 5, 2017
Today I lose a big brother, a friend, a confidant. Thank you for all these years of kindness and fraternity. #Love #RIP pic.twitter.com/xhr5R8Ui9z
— Moussa Sissoko (@MoussaSissoko) June 5, 2017
Sad news. Always going to be remember our time together at #nufc RIP my friend. Noticia muy… https://t.co/l79i10XI8R
— Jonas Gutierrez (@elgalgojonas) June 5, 2017
Sad news! Cheick used to tell me how much he believed in me, had so much respect for him. Thoughts go out to his family. RIP "the beast". pic.twitter.com/sxMSNH9LaG
— Rolando Aarons (@RolandoAarons) June 5, 2017
My big brother, I can not find the words … I will never forget your advice. May God receive you in his paradise RIP ??? pic.twitter.com/84TYl7XENv
— chancel mbemba (@mbemba22) June 5, 2017
Terrible news! Rest In Peace brother R.I.P Cheick ???? pic.twitter.com/zqOOqR7FDd
— Georginio Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) June 5, 2017
Cheickyyyyy ??????? We will all miss you !still can't believe it ??NUFC family have Lost a BIG… https://t.co/4GtOQ4yfGR
— Mehdi Abeid (@reelM_abeid) June 5, 2017
#nufc fans, players & staff all devastated by Cheick Tiote news. Huge character on & off the pitch. Thoughts with his family
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) June 5, 2017
Awful news about Cheick Tiote. At his best, he was a warrior on the field. Never one to shirk a tackle. Quiet, even shy, off the pitch. RIP.
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) June 5, 2017
Shocking, awful news about Cheick Tiote. An exceptional player & hero at SJP. #nufc in mourning.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tioté. Hard as nails on the pitch, softly-spoken and amusing off it. That goal against Arsenal will live long in the memory. pic.twitter.com/To2N684k4T
— Dan King (@dankingNUFC) June 5, 2017
We'll never forget you, Cheick. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/c8aO6EyW5w
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
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.
Terrible… Such sad news.
Carter(Quote)
Olly thank you, Still in shock tbh. Maybe this thread could of gone up on the discussion part of the blog ?
kimtoon(Quote)