Former Premier League star dies suddenly while playing football in China

Cheick Tiote suffered a stroke at the Beijing Enterprise Club's training ground on the afternoon of June 5 and passed away just an hour later.

"It is with deep sadness that I confirm that our client Cheick Titote passed away today, following a stroke while training with his Beijing Enterprise team. We have no further comment at this time and ask that his family respect their privacy at this difficult time. Please keep Cheick in your prayers," agent Emanuele Palladino said yesterday.

Tiote at the launch ceremony in Beijing on February 7.

Beijing Enterprise Club also issued a statement about the incident: "At 6pm on June 5, Tiote collapsed and lost consciousness during training. He was immediately taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, but passed away at 7pm."

Tiote joined Beijing Enterprises in the Chinese Second Division in February 2017, following a transfer from Newcastle, the team the 30-year-old defensive midfielder had played for since August 2010. Before Newcastle's relegation at the end of the 2015-2016 season, Tiote was considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

For the Ivory Coast national team, Tiote was a mainstay in midfield, participating in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, and winning the African Cup of Nations in 2015.

After hearing the news of his death, the football world expressedcondolences. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former Newcastle player Cheick Tiote in China," the English club's Twitter account wrote.

Tiote when he played for Newcastle.

Coach Rafa Benitez called Tiote "a great character", when talking about the player he had coached for more than a year. "I am very sad to learn of Cheick's passing today," he shared. "In the time I knew and worked with him, Cheick was an example of professionalism, dedication and, above all, a great character. My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this sad time."

Demba Ba, who played alongside Tiote for six and a half years at Newcastle, also paid tribute to his friend on Twitter, writing: "May Allah take you to heaven brother Tiote."

Another former team-mate, goalkeeper Steve Harper, wrote: "So sorry to hear this terrible news about my former team-mate Cheick Tiote. My condolences to his friends and family."

According to VNE