Devastating news has come in that former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote has died at the age of 30.
Reports emerged that the Ivorian had collapsed during a training session with his team Beijing Enterprises in China.
Those reports have since been confirmed by a number of journalists.
His former teammate Demba Ba Tweeted the following heartbreaking message after hearing the news:
Keith Downie of Sky Sports, has noted that Tiote's agent has confirmed his passing:
Tiote started his professional career with Anderlecht in Belgium before joining Eredivisie side FC Twente in 2008, where he spent two years and won one league title and one Supercup.
Advert
He made his name at Newcastle, where he made a total of 156 appearances after joining the club in a £3.5 million move in 2010.
Tiote left the club in the middle of of the 2016/17 title-winning campaign, signing for Chinese second tier side Beijing Enterprises. He is best known for scoring that memorable equaliser to salvage a point for Newcastle in the 4-4 draw with Arsenal; a game that is widely viewed as one of the best Premier League comebacks in recent memory.
Image: PA
Advert
On the international stage, Tiote represented his country in two World Cups, in 2010 and 2014 respectively, and was also part of the Ivory Coast side that won the 2015 African Cup Of Nations.
Tributes from the footballing world poured in for the Ivory Coast international, with fans, football clubs and former teammates alike reacting:
Incredibly sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this tough time.
Featured Image Credit: PA
