Cheick Tiote, who made 139 League appearances for Newcastle from 2010 to 2017, has died of a heart attack during training, according to reports.
The 30-year-old signed for Chinese Second Division Beijing Enterprises Group FC five months ago.
The Ivory Coast midfielder joined Newcastle from Dutch side FC Twente and scored his only goal in the famous 4-4 draw with Arsenal at St. James’ Park.
He left earlier this year after only making three appearances in the Championship.
Former Newcastle and International teammate Demba Ba appeared to confirm the news when he tweeted “May Allah gives grant [sic] you jannah brother Tiote”.
BREAKING: Ex @NUFC midfielder Cheick Tioté has collapsed during training with Beijing Enterprises and has subsequently died. Aged 30.
— Tim Hague (@TimHagueBBC) June 5, 2017
:sob::sob::sob: may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote :sob::sob::sob:
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) June 5, 2017
Sadly, it has been confirmed that Cheick Tiote has died in China at the age of 30. RIP.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) June 5, 2017
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Source: Yahoo News