Today, tragic news emerged of the passing away of former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote. The 30-year-old, an Ivorian international, sadly died in China.
The midfielder, who spent seven seasons in England with the Magpies, collapsed from a heart attack during training with Beijing Enterprise. This tragic incident occurred on Monday shortly before being rushed to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead.
Tiote leaves behind his wife Madah and two kids, with their third child due soon. Tributes have been pouring in for the late Ivorian from team-mates and former rivals.
Demba Ba, a man who spent time with the midfielder during their Newcastle days, led the tributes for the former Premier League midfielder.
Tiote, who was part of the Ivory Coast team that lifted the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, moved to St. James Park in 2010 after winning Eredivisie with FC Twente.
He then spent seven seasons with Newcastle, scoring the famous equalizing goal that saw them go from 4-0 down to draw with Arsenal in 2011.
Tiote left for China in February 2017 after falling down the pecking order under Rafael Benitez.
Dreadful news that Cheick Tioté has passed away. So young. So tragic.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 5, 2017
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with the family and friends of Cheick Tiote after his passing today. Rest in peace.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 5, 2017
Completely devastated and saddened by the death of cheick tiote...why now Bro...Rest Well pic.twitter.com/ak8x2iAH7F
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) June 5, 2017
Rest in peace, Cheick Tioté - our condolences are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/F6FvoNkna1
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 5, 2017
We are saddened to hear of the sudden, tragic passing of Cheick Tioté and would like to express our condolences to his friends and family.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 5, 2017
We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PCrIEUyugv
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tioté was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 5, 2017
So sad to hear of CHEICK TIOTE death. I had the privilege in playing with him at Newcastle what miss to his family and friends great man! pic.twitter.com/jkeGBrV47K
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tiote... #LetsChangeTheGame @Heart4MoreFdn pic.twitter.com/gwVt7su55u
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) June 5, 2017
may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) June 5, 2017
The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with the loved ones of Cheick Tiote
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 5, 2017
May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/zEo5FF5lcE
