Former Newcastle footballer, Cheick Tiote, has died after collapsing during a training session in China on Monday, a spokesperson for the player has confirmed.
The Ivorian, who joined Chinese League One side, Beijing Enterprises, for an undisclosed fee in February, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
#Breaking Former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote has died at the age of 30, a spokesman for the player has announced.
— Press Association (@PA) June 5, 2017
“It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training,” said the spokesman.
“We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. We ask for all your prayers.”
His agent, Emanuele Palladino, also said: “I can confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away today.”
Tiote’s former teammate at Newcastle, Demba Ba, tweeted a prayer for the repose of his soul.
??? may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote ???
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) June 5, 2017
Beijing Enterprise was yet to make a statement on Tiote’s health as at the time of filing this report.
Tiote made his professional debut for Anderlecht in 2005 before moving to FC Twente three years later.
The defensive midfielder then secured a £3.5million switch to Newcastle in 2010, becoming a key member of the first team during the Toon’s European march in 2011/12.
His most iconic moment in a black-and-white shirt came during Newcastle’s memorable 4-4 with Arsenal draw at St James’ Park, when the home side fought back from 4-0 down at half-time to earn a point.
Tiote scored the only goal of his Newcastle career during that game with a left-footed volley from 25 yards in the 87th minute to seal the result.
He made just 22 appearances of Newcastle’s Premier League relegation campaign in 2015/16.
He remained on the periphery of manager Rafa Benitez’s plans at the start of last season and played just three times before heading to China’s second division.
His last game on Tyneside was in a 3-1 win over Birmingham in January.
