Cheick Tiote has died at 30 years old after suffering a heart attack during his training at Beijing Enterprises which belonged to Chinese Super League.
The former Ivory Coast midfielder had joined the Chinese league from Newcastle, after it had been relegated from English Premier League.
“I can confirm that my client Cheick Tioté sadly passed away today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises,” said his agent Emanuele Palladino in a statement. “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.”
Tioté began his career in his homeland with FC Bibo before moving to Anderlecht as a teenager. He also played under Steve McClaren at FC Twente in the Netherlands before joining Newcastle in 2010 for £3.5m, going on to make almost 150 appearances.
https://twitter.com/UNILADFooty/status/871756275092160512
Tioté also won 52 caps for Ivory Coast and played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Everything about this video is perfect. The goal, the commentary, Harper's celebration
RIP Cheick Tiote
https://t.co/MYs4t6tsdT
— Luke (@Azpified) June 5, 2017