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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cheick Tioté

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cheick Tioté

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Ivorian footballer Cheick Tioté has made a name for himself as the star midfielder on Newcastle United, as well as a key contributor on his country’s national team. Soft spoken off the field, he’s a tough defender and tackler on the field. Many people are interested in getting to know the man who will help represent Côte d’Ivoire in the 2014 World Cup Tournament in Brazil. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Cheick Tioté.

Sources: Wikipedia.org, ChronicleLive.co.uk, TheGuardian.com, DailyMail.co.uk

En.Wikipedia.org
En.Wikipedia.org

Tioté didn’t own a pair of football boots until age 15

Born and raised in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, Tioté played football barefoot in the streets of his hometown from the age of 10. It wasn’t until he hit 15 and began playing more competitively at the school level that he got his first pair of cleats.

TheMagpies.Weebly.com
TheMagpies.Weebly.com

He couldn’t speak any English before he joined the Newcastle team

After playing for the Belgian club Anderlecht and the Dutch club FC Twente for several years, Tioté finally got the opportunity to learn English when he joined the Premier League in 2010. He now has a mastery of the language, but often continues to give interviews in his native French, along with a translator.

TheMag.co.uk
TheMag.co.uk

Tioté helped fly his family out of Côte d’Ivoire during the period of civil unrest

Back in 2011, Tioté paid for his five brothers and two sisters to fly out of Côte d’Ivoire to somewhere safe during the dangerous period of unrest in the country when former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo refused to cede power. His family has since returned to Abidjan, and he continues to send money back home each month.

TheMag.co.uk
TheMag.co.uk

Tioté missed his penalty kick in his debut for Anderlecht

In his debut match for the Dutch club in 2005, Tioté played in the Belgian Cup match against Geel. He missed his penalty kick, and Anderlecht ended up losing the match. Tioté didn’t let the defeat weigh too heavily, and has gone on to have an illustrious career.

TheGuardian.com
TheGuardian.com

He received 25 yellow cards in his first two seasons at Newcastle

Known as a fierce tackler, it’s no surprise that Tioté racked up 25 yellow cards in 50 league games during his first two seasons with Newcastle United. He has since bucked the average yellow card every other game, and has learned to hone his technique to limit the amount of penalties he amasses.

TheGuardian.com
TheGuardian.com

Tioté is a practicing Muslim

Interestingly, Tioté is a practicing Muslim and continues to observe fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It cannot be an easy feat, particularly when the holiday hits during the football season!

DailyFootballNews.com
DailyFootballNews.com

He has been compared to his football hero, Michael Essien

Tioté has often named Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as his football idol, and tries to emulate the star’s technique and determination on the field. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as even Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has made comparisons between the two.

Sport-Ivoire.ci
Sport-Ivoire.ci

He moved to Newcastle at the suggestion of fellow Ivorian footballer, Didier Drogba

During an interview, Tioté revealed that Didier Drogba made the suggestion that he move to the Premier League in England, “…It was Drogba who suggested that I come and play football here. Didier said England would suit my style of play but I think it’s a sign of the quality of the Côte d’Ivoire players that there are so many of us here.”

Source: TheGuardian.com

NUFC.co.uk
NUFC.co.uk

His wife and daughter recently joined him in Newcastle

Tioté reveals that he likes the calm of Newcastle, and has recently had his family move out to join him permanently. He said in an interview, “In London it’s different, everyone’s in a rush, you are always on the move and I don’t like that. Newcastle is perfect for me.”

Source: TheGuardian.com

AfricaTopSports.com
AfricaTopSports.com

Tioté was arrested on suspicion of fraud in February 2013

Back in February 2013, Tioté was charged with using a false Belgian driving permit to get a U.K. license, and had his car seized by the police. He pled guilty and received a suspended sentence and heavy fine. He will have to complete 180 hours of mandatory public service in order to avoid jail time.