Former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote passes away

Beijing Enterprises midfielder Cheick Tiote has passed away after collapsing in training on Monday, a spokesman has confirmed. 

"It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training," said spokesman 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."

Tiote, 30, had joined Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises in February from English side Newcastle United.

The Ivory Coast midfielder had spent the last seven years playing for Newcastle having previously played for Twente, Roda JC and Anderlecht. 

“We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote in China today,” Premier League side Newcastle tweeted. 

Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany, who played with Tiote in Belgium, was one of a number of players to tweet their condolences, too. 

“I am speechless and so incredibly sad,” he wrote. “Cheick Tiote was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.”

Muy triste escuchar del fallecimiento de tiote. Descansa en paz amigo. Very sad to hear about the pass away of tiote. Rip my friend. #nufc

— Jonas Gutierrez (@elgalgojonas) 5 de junio de 2017

😭😭😭 may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote 😭😭😭

— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) 5 de junio de 2017

I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tioté was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.

— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) 5 de junio de 2017