Cheick Tioté was today described as 'like a brother' by former team-mate Papiss Cissé. The Ivorian's memorial was attended by friends, family and team-mates past and present. With many still struggling to come to terms with Tioté's passing.
Cissé, who is currently playing in China for Shandong Luneng, was reduced to tears as he attempted to deliver his speech, in which he talked about the "extraordinary moments" the two of them shared together and how the pair "shared a lot in life". Tioté's body is expected to return to his homeland in the coming days, as the mourning process continues for those closest to him.
Upon hearing the news of his friend's passing, Cissé took to twitteTwitterpress his great sadness.
Goodnight brother, You will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Gone too soon #RIPcheiktiote
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) 5 de junho de 2017