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Boot is on other foot now for Cheik Tiote
CHEIK Tiote’s displays at Newcastle have made him a hit and a wealthy man.
But Tiote puts his success down to an impoverished upbringing in Ivory Coast’s capital Abidjan, where his family were so poor they could not afford shoes, never mind football boots.
Tiote played barefoot - and believes that has made him the player he is. “Growing up at home was difficult,” said Tiote. “I started playing when I was about 10 and there were a lot of basic materials lacking. We did not have football boots.
“I played for nearly five years barefoot. I think playing barefoot helped me a lot. It teaches you how to control the ball and pass from a very early age.
“Now I have about 10 pairs of boots! I have so many I send some back to my brother at home.”