LONDON: Cheick Tiote, a former Newcastle and Ivory Coast midfielder, has died after collapsing in training with a 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 equalizer in 2011 when his team recovered from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Arsenal.
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Rafa Benitez, Tiote's former manager at Newcastle, paid tribute to his character.
"In all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and, above all, a great man," Benitez said. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time."?
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who played with Tiote at Dutch club Anderlecht, tweeted: "Cheick Tiote was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had."