Ivory Coast midfielder, Cheick Tiote, has died after collapsing while training with his club in China.
The 30-year-old joined Chinese Super League side Beijing Enterprises. He was said to have slumped at the training ground on Monday and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“During a training session, Cote D’Ivoire international Cheick Tioté 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.”
Tiote, who spent seven years playing for English Premier League club, Newcastle, was said to have suffered a heart attack.
The deceased’s agent, Emanuele Palladino, announced Tiote’s passing in a statement.
He said, “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.”