Newcastle United, Rafa Benitez, clubs, players and team-mates pay tribute to Cheick Tiote
Wednesday 7 June 2017 06:43, UK
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez led the tributes after the news that Cheick Tiote had died at the age of 30 in China.
Tiote left St James' Park last February to join Beijing Enterprises, and he was training with the second division club when he collapsed on Monday morning.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Tiote's former team-mate Peter Lovenkrands says he's in utter shock
He spent seven seasons on Tyneside, and a statement from the club read: "We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of Cheick Tiote at the age of just 30.
"The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick's family, friends, teammates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented.
"Cheick cemented his place in Newcastle folklore with his dramatic equaliser in the 4-4 draw against Arsenal in February 2011."
Benitez said: "It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick's death.
"In the all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated, talented, and above all, a great man. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time."
Tiote played under Alan Pardew for four years at Newcastle, and told Sky Sports News HQ in a statement he is deeply saddened by news of his former player's death and unable to speak on the phone.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News HQ reports on the death of Tiote, who won league titles in Belgium and Holland, and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015
"I'm devastated to hear the news about my former player and friend Cheick Tiote," Pardew's statement read.
"From the moment I arrived at Newcastle, Cheick 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, with Cheick's incredible goal in the final moments of that game one of the iconic moments in Premier League history.
"I loved him. He's everything that you want in a Newcastle player. He has the quality, and of course you'll never underestimate the fact that he wants to win.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chris Hughton signed Cheick Tiote for Newcastle and says he had a huge impact at the club.
"To hear the news that he has passed away at the age of 30 breaks my heart and my sympathies go out to all his family and friends who will be devastated by this news.
"Life if not fair sometime and I will remember Cheick Tiote as a giant of a midfielder who I loved to managed.
"Rest in peace my friend."
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.