Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and Magpies defender Chancel Mbemba have endorsed a petition set up to retire Cheick Tiote’s number at Newcastle United.
The recent death of Ivorian footballer Cheick Tiote on the pitch brought an outpouring of sadness in the world of football after collapsing during a training session with his club Beijing Enterprise.
Newcastle fan, Dan Brad started this petition with a single signature, and now has 4,431 supporters.
“In the light of the legend’s death, the shirt number should be retired in honour of his life. A Newcastle legend taken too soon. Lets come together as a family and honour a fallen family member,” Brad tweeted.
The tweet by Brad was retweeted by the Chelsea legend, signifying his endorsement for the petition. Drogba who scored on his debut with Phoenix Rising FC last weekend dedicated the strike to his fallen former national team-mate.
In his seven years at United the Ivory Coast player made over 150 appearances, including three last season. He began his professional career in Belgium with Anderlecht in 2005 before moving to Dutch side FC Twente, where he made 86 appearances and won the Eredivisie league title in the 2009-10 season under manager Steve McClaren.
He joined Beijing Enterprises Group FC for an undisclosed fee in February 2017.
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