Ivory Coast international Cheick Tiote died on Monday after collapsing during training with Beijing Enterprises, the club confirmed. He was 30 aged.
Beijing Enterprises said the former Newcastle midfielder died about one hour after losing consciousness in training.
"At approximately 6 p.m. of June 5, 2017, when the team was having their regular training session, our foreign player from Ivory Coast, Mr Cheik Tiote, fainted without any warning," a team statement said. "The club sent him to hospital immediately. However, all revival measures proved ineffective. Mr Tiote passed away at approximate 7 p.m. The club has already contacted his family.
"Since joining Beijing BG football club on Feb 5., 2017, Mr Cheik Tiote has contributed to the club significantly. His football skills and professionalism have been much appreciated and highly praised by the club, the coaches and his teammates. Hereby, Beijing BG football club expresses our deepest sorrow following Mr Tiote's passing."
Tiote moved to China in February after signing with the second-division club from Newcastle. The defensive midfielder spent 6½ seasons on Tyneside, making more than 150 appearances while playing in both the Premier League and Championship.
He previously played for Anderlecht in Belgium and Dutch club Twente.
Rafa Benitez, Tiote's former manager at Newcastle, paid tribute to his character.
"In all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and, above all, a great man," Benitez said. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time."
"In all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and, above all, a great man," Benitez said. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time."
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