Former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote has died aged 30 after collapsing in Beijing.
Tiote begun his pro career in Belgium with Anderlecht, a period which included a loan spell with Roda JC.
From there he moved to FC Twente in the Netherlands, establishing himself as an effective defensive midfielder, making 86 appearances for the Dutch side.
He moved to the Premier League to join Newcastle in 2010 and made over 150 appearances for the Toon before leaving for China at the start of the 2016-17 campaign.
Tiote was plying his trade in the second tier in China for Beijing Enterprises. He had played 17 times for the club before his death.
Tributes on social media
Demba Ba, Tiote’s former teammate at Newcastle, was among the first to tweet his respects.
“May Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote,” the striker posted.
Jonas Gutierrez also tweeted a tribute, saying: “Very said to hear about the pass away of Tiote. RIP my friend. #nufc.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper posted: “Gutted to hear the awful news about my former teammate Cheick Tiote today. Thoughts with his friends and family.”
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who played with Tiote at Anderlecht, tweeted: “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.”
Newcastle midfielder Siem de Jong said: “Terrible news, R.I.P. Tiote. Always enjoyed sitting next to you in the dressing room my friend.”
