Newcastle fans distraught as fan favourite Cheick Tioté leaves the club for giants of world football

Newcastle United fans can't hide their love for Cheick Tioté.

https://twitter.com/lewinick/status/687015361368178689

The Ivorian midfielder has gone from strength to strength since scoring a dramatic equaliser in a 4-4 draw with Arsenal under Alan Pardew.

https://twitter.com/popeformosus/status/336139334677823489

He has made a real impact on games ever since arriving from FC Twente.

https://twitter.com/cbain26/status/359774475153182720 https://twitter.com/Kristian7Ross/status/394480588876705792 https://twitter.com/allman85/status/543831737764442112 https://twitter.com/tynenick/status/550682553473314816 https://twitter.com/TaylorandBesty/status/550793262559420416 https://twitter.com/deannufc1892/status/551417545325301761

He has been a model of consistency throughout his six-and-a-half years on Tyneside.

https://twitter.com/_MikeEdwards/status/378904775120928768

So, when interest came in from the Chinese Super League, the Toon Army were devastated by the news.

https://twitter.com/Nuovocastrian/status/686697390640881664 Tioté had been linked with Shandong Luneng, where he would have linked up with former St James' Park teammate Papiss Cissé, but has instead completed a move to second-tier outfit Beijing BG. The club was only founded in 2004, but have already attracted luminaries of world football such as former Aalesunds FK danger-man Leke James and Rubin Okotie, who has played in three different leagues with 'Bundesliga' in the name. There was some surprise at Tioté's final destination. https://twitter.com/NUFCThreatLevel/status/826430282370842624 However, all things considered, Newcastle fans have come together to wish the midfielder well as he takes the next step in a career that will definitely be remembered for more than just that one goal. We promise. https://twitter.com/JonnyGabriel/status/828949476064841728 Catch up with this week's episode of 888sport Football Friday Live