Cote D’ivoire international Cheick Tiote, whose sudden death in China at just 30 years old shocked his country, was laid to rest on Sunday as he was hailed a “worthy son” of the African nation.
Tiote, a 52-time capped player who featured at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, was honoured with a military funeral at the Williamsville cemetery in Abidjan where hundreds of people gathered to mourn.
“Ivory Coast has lost a worthy son who served so bravely, who fought to win and who gave everything on the pitch,” said sports minister Francois Amichia.
Tiote died from a heart attack on June 5 during a training session with his Chinese club Beijing Enterprises.
Full military honours were bestowed on Tiote at the funeral service which was attended by prime minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, minister of Sports as well as several members of the government, Ivorian football federation officials led by President Sidy Diallo and players.
Tiote’s coffin was draped in the country’s orange, white and green national flag before being taken to a mosque in the upmarket district of Riviera Golf where prayers were held.
“It’s a huge loss for Ivorian and African football,” said former national team goalkeeper Boubacar Barry who played with Tiote in the victorious 2015 Africa Cup of Nations side.
“It’s a big loss because he was such a warrior on the pitch. On behalf of all the footballers here, I present my condolences to his family and his friends. Thank you Tiote, thank you.”
Tiote began his European club career with Belgian outfit Anderlecht and had a loan spell at Roda JC Kerkrade before moving to FC Twente in 2008.
He signed for Newcastle in 2010 and made 156 appearances for the club, becoming a firm favourite with fans over his six years in England.
