Details of how former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote died at the age of 30 during a training session in China has emerged.
Tiote, who only moved to Chinese second division outfit Beijing Enterprises four months ago, was rushed to hospital on Monday evening at 6 p.m local time.
However, the Ivorian passed away at around 7 p.m, and his agent confirmed the Ivorian’s death in a statement.
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises,” said Emanuele Palladino.
“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.’
A Beijing Enterprises statement read: “At 6pm on June 5, Tiote fell unconscious during training. He was immediately taken to hospital but died at 7pm”.
The world of football was quick to pay tribute.
Newcastle posted a short statement via Twitter, which read: “We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today.”
Manager Rafael Benitez called Tiote ‘a great man’ as he remembered his former charge.
“It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick’s death,” he said.
“In the all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time.”
Demba Ba, with whom Tiote played during his six-and-a-half-year stay at St James’ Park, paid tribute to his former team-mate on Twitter.
He wrote: ‘may Allah gives grant you jannah (paradise) brother Tiote’.
Another former colleague, goalkeeper Stephen Harper, wrote: ‘Gutted to hear the awful news about my former teammate Cheik Tiote today.
‘Thoughts with his friends and family.’
Jonas Gutierrez posted a photo of Tiote on Instagram and wrote: ‘Sad news.
‘Always going to be remember our time together at #nufc RIP my friend.
Early career: Born in Yamoussoukro, he started out playing barefoot street football at the age of 10, not owning a pair of boots until he was 15. He began his career with Ivorian minor league side FC Bibo. In 2005, he was scouted by Belgian club Anderlecht. He made his debut for Anderlecht in a Belgian Cup match which they lost to Geel after Tiote missed his penalty. In the 2007–08 season he played on loan for Roda JC, where he played alongside his countryman Sekou.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri with additional online reports.
