“It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training.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, ” said spokesman Emanuele Palladino.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Tiote was part of the Ivorian squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career in Belgium with Anderlecht in 2005 before moving to Dutch side FC Twente, where he made 86 appearances and won the Eredivisie league title in the 2009-10 season under manager Steve McClaren.
Tiote, a defensive midfielder, then signed for Newcastle in 2010 for £3.5m. He joined Beijing Enterprises Group FC for an undisclosed fee in February 2017.
