Former Newcastle midfielder Tiote passes away

Club confirms sad news of death of 30-year-old who spent seven years at St James’ Park

Former Newcastle United player Cheick Tiote has died at the age of 30, it has been confirmed.

Tiote died after collapsing during a training session with Chinese club Beijing Enterprises Group FC, whom he joined in February 2017 after seven years at St James’ Park.

“It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick’s death,” Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez told nufc.co.uk. “In 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.”

Tiote will be fondly remembered for his part in Newcastle’s 4-4 draw with Arsenal in 2010/11, the midfielder scoring an 87th-minute equaliser as his team became the first to avoid defeat after going four goals down in the Premier League.