Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama led the tributes last night as football mourned tragic Cheick Tiote .
The 30-year-old died after a training season with Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises whom he joined in February after seven years with Magpies.
Tiote’s sudden death, aged 30, stunned the Tyneside club, and the wider football world.
The Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder Wanyama tweeted: “Rest in Peace Cheick Chiote,my condolesences to family and friends”
Other biggest names in sport sent their condolences to the former Ivory Coast international include Newcastle past and present players.
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul said on Twitter: “Deeply sad to hear the news about Cheick.. One of my favourite teammates.. My thoughts are with his family.”
Former Magpies keeper Shay Given said: “Shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Cheick Tiote, I pass on my condolences to his friends & family, way too young #ripcheickTiote”, while current Magpies goalkeeper Rob Elliot said: “Rip chieky-man… you absolute warrior.”
Another ex-Magpies stopper, Steve Harper, tweeted: “Gutted to hear the awful news about my former teammate Cheik Tiote today. Thoughts with his friends and family.”
Papiss Cisse, who left St James’ Park for China last year, said: “Goodnight brother, You will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Gone too soon #RIPcheiktiote.”
Newcastle’s current captain Jamaal Lascelles said: “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 and non of us can believe it, my thoughts are with his family at this time. RIP Cheicky.”
Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez added: “I can’t belive it. No words. I am broken. RIP Cheick.”
Alan Shearer said on Twitter that Tiote’s death was “devastating news”, while another former striker, Gary Lineker, tweeted: “Dreadful news that Cheick Tiote has passed away. So young. So tragic.”
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, a former team-mate of Tiote’s at Belgian side Anderlecht when both players were starting their careers, tweeted: “I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tiote was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.”
Premier League clubs also offered their condolences, including Newcastle’s great rivals Sunderland, who said on Twitter: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Cheick Tiote and our colleagues at #NUFC Such sad news.”
Tiote begun his pro career in Belgium with Anderlecht, a period which included a loan spell with Roda JC.
From there he moved to FC Twente in the Netherlands, establishing himself as an effective defensive midfielder, making 86 appearances for the Dutch side.
He moved to the Premier League to join Newcastle in 2010 and made over 150 appearances for the Toon before leaving for China in February of this year.
Additional Information: Irish Indepedent
