It is not often you say this about a defensive midfield player whose job it is to disrupt and destroy, but Cheick Tiote was great fun.
His death at the age of 30 is devastating, untimely and tragic, but the memories he leaves are good ones.
Supporters, team-mates, coaching staff, journalists and neutrals would agree, it was always more enjoyable when he was on the pitch.
Tiote would take risks, and invariably get away with them, that's what made you smile, not frown.