CARSON, Calif. – The soccer world is reeling on Monday after the passing of Cheick Tiote.
The former Newcastle United and Ivory Coast international died after collapsing during training with Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises. Tiote, who died age 30, was part of the Ivory Coast team that won the 2015 African Cup of Nations.
Tiote’s passing hit close to home as LA Galaxy captain Jelle Van Damme spent three years as the Ivorian midfielder’s teammate during their time with RSC Anderlecht. After learning of his former teammate’s death, Van Damme honored Tiote with a heartfelt Instagram post.
Van Damme’s Instagram is below.
