FORMER NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Cheick Tiote has died at the age of 30.
The Ivorian, who moved from Tyneside to Chinese second tier outfit Beijing Enterprises in February, reportedly collapsed during a training session and was rushed to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The tenacious, tough-tackling Tiote was signed by the Magpies in 2010 after formative spells in Belgium and the Netherlands with Anderlecht, Roda and Twente.
He went on to make 156 appearances for the club but saw his game time limited in the 2016/2017 season, only featuring three times.
His last display came in January’s FA Cup victory over Birmingham while his solitary goal was a memorable one: a thumping, late, left-footed volley equaliser in the 4-4 draw with Arsenal in February 2011.
A spokesperson for Tiote confirmed the news of his death in a statement:
It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training. 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.”
Though silverware eluded him during his time in the English north-east, he was a Belgian league winner on two occasions with Anderlecht while he was part of Steve McClaren’s Eredivisie title-winning side in 2009/2010.
Tiote made over 50 appearances for his country and played at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups while he was an Africa Cup of Nations champion in 2015.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
