Cheick Ismael Tiote born 21 June 1986 is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Newcastle United and the Cote d'Ivoire national football team.Born in Yamoussoukro, he started out playing barefoot street football, not owning a pair of boots until he was 15, when he began his career with Ivorian minor league side FC Bibo. In 2005, he was scouted by Belgian side R.S.C. Anderlecht. He made his debut for Anderlecht in a Belgian Cup match which they lost to Geel after Tioté missed his penalty. In the 2007–08 season he played on loan for Roda JC to join up with Ex-FC Bibo and international team mate Feyenoord's Sekou Cisse.
On the 2nd of October 2008 Cheick Tiote signed for Dutch Eredivisie league side FC Twente for a fee reported to be around €750,000, where he gained his reputation for being a determined and resilient midfielder with a keen eye for a pass, making 58 league appearances scoring one goal with 14 assists. He won the Dutch title in 2009/10 season under the guidance of Ex-England manager Steve McClaren and also featured in the Europa League and Champions League, putting in good performances against Arsenal in the group stages.
Tiote joined English Premier League side Newcastle United on 26 August 2010 for a fee of £3.5 million after he was granted a work permit. He made his debut on 18 September 2010 against Everton at Goodison Park. His debut was very successful – completing all of his 64 passes. He also made two interceptions, completed all five of his attempted tackles, and his only shot was on target. He started all of the rest of the Magpies' games, putting in strong performances against Manchester City and in the 2–1 away win over West Ham. Tioté received man of the match for his performance in the 1–0 away victory against Wigan Athletic.
He was sent off in the 3rd Round FA Cup tie against Stevenage suffering a three match domestic ban, but scored a memorable first goal on his return, scoring a 25-yard volley for the late equaliser in a 4–4 draw against Arsenal, a game the Magpies trailed 0–4 at half time.
Due to his many eye catching displays, Tioté has been linked with a summer move to clubs, such as Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea. However, on 25 February 2011, Newcastle United announced that Tiote has penned a new 6-and-a-half year contract to show his commitment to the club, keeping him at Newcastle until 2017. Upon signing his new deal, Tioté said 'The experience of playing in the Premier League has been better than I ever hoped it could be. This is a great club and the fans have been brilliant – I have never known support like it.'
Tiote made his international debut for the Ivory Coast during the pre World Cup friendly before being confirmed for the squad to go to South Africa, starting in every game before their trip was cut short in the Groups Stages.
He has continued being called up for his country making his 15th appearance in the 1–0 win against Mali with a goal from Hannover 96's Didier Konan Ya.
CHEICK TIOTE PROFILE
Full name: Cheick Ismael TioteDate of birth: 21 June 1986
Place of birth: Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position: Defensive midfielder,Center midfielder
Club information
Current club: Newcastle United
Number: 24
Youth career
1998–2005 FC Bibo
2005–2006 Anderlecht
Senior career
2005–2008 Anderlecht 4 (0)
2007–2008 → Roda JC (loan) 26 (2)
2008–2010 Twente 58 (1)
2010– Newcastle United 26 (1)
National team
2009– Cote d'Ivoire 19 (0)
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