Three years after he was pronounced death while training with his teammate in Beijing, China, Newcastle United remembered Cheick Tiote.

The late Ivorian international joined the Magpies in 2010 and spent seven years with the club where he made 139 appearances and scored one goal.

Today June 21 2020 would have been his 34th birthday and Newcastle United decided to remember in tweet on their official Twitter handle.

“Today we remember Cheick Tioté on what would have been his 34th birthday.
Always in our thoughts, Cheicky. 🖤.”

Tiote was born in Yamoussoukoro in Ivory Coast and started playing football at the tender of 10 in the streets of Ivory Coast.

He began his career at the age of 15 with Ivorian minor league side FC Bibo.

In 2005, he was scouted by Belgian club Anderlecht and signed a three-year contract with the club.

After spending months at the club’s reserve, he made his debut for Anderlecht in a Belgian Cup match which they lost to Geel after Tioté missed his penalty.

The following month, Tioté made his UEFA Champions League debut, where he made his first start in Matchday 6 Group Stage, in a 1–0 loss against Real Betis.

 It was not until 18 March 2006 that he made his league debut for the club, coming on as a late substitute, in a 4–0 win over Beveren.

On 26 August 2010, Tioté joined English Premier League side Newcastle United for a fee of £3.5 million, after he was granted a work permit.

 Upon joining the club, Tioté spoke to the local newspaper, the Evening Chronicle, about the move, saying: “It’s a great thrill for me to be joining such a famous club as Newcastle United.” He was given the number 24 shirt.

He made his debut on 18 September against Everton at Goodison Park. 

He completed all of his 64 passes, made two interceptions, completed all five of his attempted tackles, and his only shot was on target.

 Tioté quickly became a favourite among supporters.

On 9 February 2017, Tioté joined China League One side Beijing Enterprises for an undisclosed fee.

Tioté made his Beijing Enterprises debut, in the opening game of the season, playing the whole game, in a 2–1 loss against Qingdao Huanghai.

 He appeared in 11 of 12 matches for the club until his last match on 3 June 2017 against Baoding Yingli Yitong with a 4–2 win.

On 5 June 2017, Tioté died in Beijing, China, after suffering a cardiac arrest in training.