Cheick Tiote: Former Newcastle, Ivory Coast midfielder dies at 30

Former Newcastle and Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote has died, aged 30.

The Yamoussoukro-born player reportedly collapsed during a training session on June 5, and sadly passed away after being rushed to hospital.

His agent, Emanuele Palladino, confirmed the news in a statement released on Monday afternoon.

“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.

“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 is most well-known in England for his spell at Newcastle, with whom he played 156 games in seven years, after moving to St James’ Park from FC Twente of the Netherlands.

He left the Tyneside club in February 2017, joining Chinese League One side Beijing Enterprises.

Tiote’s former Newcastle teammate Demba Ba took to Twitter to react to the news: Talksport