Ex-Premier League soccer player Cheick Tiote dies in training in China

Cheick Tiote looks on before their international friendly soccer match in Evian-les-Bains on May 30, 2010. Denis Balibouse / Picture

Former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote died on Monday of a heart attack during a training session in China with his new club Beijing Enterprises.

The 30-year-old Cote d'Ivoire international collapsed in training and was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Tiote's agent Emanuele Palladino said in a statement: "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."

The tough-tackling midfielder played at Newcastle United for seven years in both the Premier League and the English Football League Championship, before transferring to Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises in February for an undisclosed fee.

Dozens of players and managers including Tiote's former Newcastle teammate Demba Ba and ex-coach Rafael Benitez shared their condolences on social media.

Newcastle United wrote on its official Twitter account: "We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote in China today."

Tiote won several honors during his playing career, including the Belgian and Dutch first division titles and the 2015 African Cup of Nations with Cote d'Ivoire.

angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com