Former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté has died after reportedly suffering a heart attack during training sessions with his new club Beijing Enterprises FC on Monday.
The 30-year-old midfielder joined Chinese League One side Beijing Enterprises in January for an undisclosed fee after spending seven seasons at St James’ Park.
Ex-team Newcastle have been one of several English clubs to offer condolences to Tiote’s family. “We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote in China today,” the club wrote on their official Twitter.
Beijing Enterprises also paid tribute to their deceased star in a statement: “Beijing Enterprises football club expresses its deep sorrow and profound condolences for Mr Tioté’s untimely death,” as quoted by The Guardian.
On social media, numerous teams and players have mourned the death of 30-year-old midfielder.
Tiote’s former Newcastle team-mate Demba Ba was among the first to share his condolences. “May Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote,” he tweeted.
Current Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez said: ‘In all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man,” as quoted by The Independent.