Ex-Newcastle player Cheick Tiote dies after collapsing in training with Chinese club Beijing Enterprises
The combative midfielder played for Ivory Coast at the World Cup
Cheick Tiote, a combative midfielder who played in the English Premier League for Newcastle and at the World Cup with Ivory Coast, has died after collapsing in training with his new Chinese team. He was 30.
Tiote was four months into a new career at Bejiing Enterprises when his death was announced on Monday by agent Emanuele Palladino.
“We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time,” Palladino said. “We ask for all your prayers.”
Tiote moved to Newcastle from FC Twente in 2010 and made 161 appearances, scoring once – a memorable equaliser in 2011 when his team recovered from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Arsenal.
Rafa Benitez, Tiote’s former manager at Newcastle, paid tribute to his character.