Chinese club Beijing Enterprises have confirmed that Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote has passed away at the age of 30.
Former Newcastle United midfielder passed away after collapsing during a training session for his club Beijing Enterprises.
The Ivory Coast midfielder made more than 150 appearances between 2010 and 2017 during his seven years at United.
A statement from Newcastle reads: ‘We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of Cheick Tiote at the age of just 30.’
‘The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick’s family, friends, team-mates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented.’
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez said: ‘It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick’s death.
‘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.’
Take a look at some of the tributes pouring in from his former Newcastle teammates.
We’ll never forget you, Cheick. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/c8aO6EyW5w
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
Deeply sad to hear the news about Cheick.. One of my favourite teammates.. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/FvS6TdDctP
— Tim Krul (@TimKrul) June 5, 2017
R.I.P 🙏🏽 #allahirahmak pic.twitter.com/Of4XAWjEhm
— Achraf Lazaar (@LazaarAchraf) June 5, 2017
There are not words to express how saddened I am to hear the news that Cheick has died this afternoon . I have spoken to the team –
— Jamaal Lascelles (@Lascelles16) June 5, 2017
I can’t belive it. No words. I am broken. RIP Cheick
Sin palabras, no puedo creerlo… descansa en paz amigo pic.twitter.com/aJzoBaP9YV— Ayoze Perez (@AyozePG) June 5, 2017
Amazing guy and teammate we will miss you and never forget you my friend! #RIPCheicky 😢 💙😘👆🏼 https://t.co/tUhvakdZlf
— Peter Lovenkrands (@lovenkrands11) June 5, 2017
😭😭😭 may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote 😭😭😭
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) June 5, 2017
Absolutely devastated I really can’t believe it, what a ledge guy he was, helped me through a lot 😢 RIP Cheick 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/EoLBIhz95b
— Jamie Sterry (@JamieSterry2) June 5, 2017
Terrible news, R.I.P. Tiote. Always enjoyed sitting next to you in the dressing room my friend.
— Siem de Jong (@siemdejong) June 5, 2017
Goodnight brother, You will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Gone too soon #RIPcheiktiote
— Papiss Demba Cisse (@CissePapiss) June 5, 2017
