Tributes have been paid to former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote after his sudden death at the age of 30.
The Ivory Coast international suffered a heart attack during a training session with Chinese club Beijing Enterprise, on Monday.
It has also emerged that the partner of the father of three is expecting a baby in the coming weeks.
Tiote left Newcastle in February after nearly seven years at St James’ Park, during which time he made 156 appearances and scored one goal.
But it is that goal for which he will be best remembered, a stunning 30-yard volley to complete one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history as the Magpies drew 4-4 at home to Arsenal having been 4-0 down at half-time.
Alan Pardew managed Tiote for four years, and he said: “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 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 we came from 4-0 down to draw an unbelievable game against Arsenal, with Cheick’s incredible goal in the final moments one of the iconic moments in Premier League history.
“I loved him. Life is not fair sometimes and I will remember Cheick Tiote as a giant of a midfielder who I loved to managed. Rest in peace my friend.”
Late Tiote 