Former Newcastle United Midfielder Cheick Tiote Dies Of Heart Attack
5 June 2017, 16:55 | Updated: 5 June 2017, 17:16
Former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote's died of a heart attack during training with his new club Beijing Enterprises.
The 30 year old spent 7 years on Tyneside.
He left the club in February last year to play for the Chinese side.
Tioté scored his first, and only goal for the club against Arsenal on the 5th of February 2011 - when his late equaliser saw the Mags draw 4-4 after being 4-0 down at half time
After two seasons at Newcastle Tioté picked up twenty-five yellow cards from fifty league games - the equivalent of one yellow card every two games.
He only received one sending off, against Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne deby on 21st October 2012, for a late challenge on Steven Fletcher.
Tioté made over 100 appearances for Newcastle United, and captained the side in the 2013/14 season.
His agent, Emanuele Palladino, has released this statement:
"It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheik Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises."
"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."
Newcastle United have released this statement:
"We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of Cheick Tioté at the age of just 30.
The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick's family, friends, teammates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented.
The Ivory Coast midfielder, who made more than 150 appearances for the Magpies between 2010 and 2017, was training with his current club, Bejiing Enterprises, on Monday when he collapsed.
He was taken to hospital but sadly passed away.
Cheick cemented his place in Newcastle folklore with his dramatic equaliser in the 4-4 draw against Arsenal in February 2011."
And Newcastle manager Rafa Benítez 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."
His former team mates have been tweeting tributes to him:
