Papiss Cisse reveals the moment he found out Cheick Tiote died | OneFootball

Football can be a beautiful thing, but other times, football can be downright heartbreaking.

In June 2017, when training with Chinese side Beijing Enterprises, former Newcastle star Cheick Tiote suffered a heart attack and later died. He was only 30 years old.

Former Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse had met up to observe Ramadan just days earlier and was distraught when he heard the tragic news.

“We’d laughed and joked together, eating late in the hotel, and I said I’d be back the following week, during the international break, to spend proper time with him.

“We parted as friends. And then, only a few days later, the tragedy happened. I was in the car when someone called me checking if I had heard the news.

“When I asked him what he was talking about he was actually scared to say because he knew what my reaction would be. I went mad. My head was on fire. I started punching the seat, smacking it.

“The driver was asking me if I was okay, and I just shouted: “No, no, I’m not okay.” I couldn’t really believe it. I just wanted to be alone. He stopped the car, I got out and just walked. I don’t know where.

“I’m Muslim. The only thing I could do was pray for my friend, and for his family, the kids. I’m always in contact with them back in Senegal now. It was very, very sad what happened.

“Tiote had helped me so much, and I respect this guy. For me, he was a giant. He was my brother. He will always be my brother. I miss him so much.”

The duo were team-mates together from 2012 to 2016 and both became adored at St. James’ Park.