Cheick Tiote, dead, Newcastle United, Beijing Enterprises, heart attack
Cheick Tiote was only 30Reuters

Cheick Tiote, the former Newcastle United midfielder, died on Monday, after collapsing during a training session in China.

The midfielder, who switched to the Chinese Super League in February after several years in the English Premier League, reportedly suffered a heart attack while training with his club Beijing Enterprises.

Tiote was taken to the hospital immediately, but was pronounced dead. He was only 30.

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"I can confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises," his agent Emanuele Palladino said in a statement.

"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."

"During a training session, Cote D'Ivoire international Cheick Tiote suddenly fainted," Beijing Enterprises said in a statement. "The club rushed him to hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7 o'clock local time. The club has been in contact with his family."

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez also offered his condolences. "It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick's death," Benitez said. "In the all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time."

Tiote was a Newcastle player for seven years, joining from Eredivisie club FC Twente. The Ivory Coast international went on to have a strong career with the Magpies, before slowly losing his place and moving on to the Chinese Super League.

That switch was made midway through this season, with Tiote looking to invigorate his career in a league that had signed plenty of big-name stars.

Tiote began his career with FC Bibo in the Ivory Coast, before moving to Europe with Anderlecht.

The defensive midfielder was a part of Ivory Coast's squads in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, with the player earning 52 caps for his country.

Tiote will always be remembered for this