Former Premier League footballer Cheick Tiote, 30, collapses & dies in training
Former Newcastle United and Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote has died from a heart attack aged 30, after he collapsed during training with his current club Beijing Enterprises FC.
Tiote collapsed during training in China with the club he joined from Newcastle in February, his agent Emanuele Palladino confirmed.
We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today. #NUFCpic.twitter.com/PCrIEUyugv
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
“I can confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises,” said Palladino in the statement, the Guardian reported.
“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.”
UEFA mourns the passing of former Newcastle & Twente midfielder Cheick Tioté, who has died in China at the age of 30 https://t.co/AsVoXCsyrApic.twitter.com/YHZAqbeYgF
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 5, 2017
Shocked to hear the news that former @NUFC midfielder Cheick Tiote has passed away.. thoughts & prayers with his family & friends!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 5, 2017
Tributes were paid to the midfielder, including from his former club, who tweeted: "We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today."
Devastating news of the death of Cheick Tiote. RIP. ⚫⚪
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 5, 2017
His former manager at Newcastle, Rafael Benitez, said: "In the time I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated, talented and above all, a great man."
Rafa Benitez on Cheick Tiote: "In the time I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated, talented and above all, a great man." pic.twitter.com/nLuhR4E8KT
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 5, 2017
Dreadful news that Cheick Tioté has passed away. So young. So tragic.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 5, 2017
Tiote made 53 international appearances for the Ivory Coast and was part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.