BEIJING: Former Ivory Coast international Cheick Tiote died in hospital on Monday after collapsing during a training session, his Chinese club Beijing Enterprises said.
The Chinese second flight club confirmed his death at the age of 30 on its Weibo social media account, saying the former Twente Enschede and Newcastle United midfielder had “fainted without any warning” during training.
“He was rushed to hospital immediately. However, all revival measures proved ineffective and he died around 7 pm on June 5, 2017. The club has already contacted his family,” it read.
“Since joining the team, he had made an outstanding contribution to the club and won praise from the club, the coaching team and his team-mates with his superb skills and professionalism.
“Beijing BG football club expresses our deepest sorrow following Mr Tiote’s passing.”
Former team-mates and managers took to social media to mourn the loss of the latest high-profile African player to have collapsed and died while playing football.
Newcastle United, where Tiote played for seven years before moving to China, said the club was “devastated” at the news, while manager Rafa Benitez spoke of his “sadness” at the death of “a true professional... and above all, a great man”.
Former England manager Steve McLaren, who coached Tiote at Twente and Newcastle, spoke of Tiote’s competitiveness.
“I knew him first as a young player at Twente. He was the toughest player I’ve ever seen,” he told the BBC. — Reuters
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
