Ivory Coast International Cheick Tiote Dead
Ivory Coast international, and former Newcastle United player, Cheick Tiote, has died after he collapsed during a training session on Monday.
According to Tiote’s spokesperson, Emanuele Palladino, Tiote suddenly collapsed while training with his Chinese club, Beijing Enterprises Group, on Monday after which he was taken to hospital and pronounced dead.
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises…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,” Palladino said in a statement.
No further details have been released about the 30-year-old star’s death.
Tributes have been pouring in for Tiote.
“It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick’s death…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,” Newcastle manager, Rafael Benitez, said.
Tiote was an integral part of the Ivory Coast national team, and participated in both the 2010 World Cup and 2014 World Cup . He was also part of the Ivory Coast team when they won the 2015 African Cup of Nations.
Former Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew, also expressed his sadness over Tiote’s unexpected death.
“I’m devastated to hear the news about my former player and friend Cheick Tiote…from the moment I arrived at Newcastle, Cheick was a wonderful presence around the dressing room and his performances on the field often defied belief…I loved him. He’s everything that you want in a Newcastle player…to hear the news that he has passed away at the age of 30 breaks my heart and my sympathies go out to all his family and friends who will be devastated by this news,” he said.
