After leaving Newcastle in February, he signed with Beijing Enterprises, a Chinese second-tier team. “It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training,” Ivorian-born spokesman Emanuele Palladino said. “We cannot say any more at the moment and we request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. We ask for all your prayers.”
Before joining Dutch team FC Twente, where he made 86 appearances and won the Eredivisie league title in the 2009–10 season under manager Steve McClaren, he started his professional career in Belgium with Anderlecht in 2005.
The defensive midfielder Tiote then paid £3.5 million to move with Newcastle in 2010.
He scored a spectacular goal in February 2011 to help Newcastle United come back from a 4-0 deficit to tie with Arsenal in the Premier League.
In February 2017, he signed up with Beijing Enterprises Group FC for an undisclosed sum.
‘A true professional and above all a great man’
“We are devastated to have learned of the tragic passing of Cheick Tiote at the age of just 30,” a Newcastle statement claimed externally.
“The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick’s family, friends, team-mates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented.”
Rafa Benitez, the manager of Newcastle, stated: “I learned about Cheick’s passing this afternoon with deep regret.
“He was, above all, a wonderful man and a true professional during the entire time I knew him. At such a tragic time, our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
‘His smile lit up the room’
Steve McClaren, his former manager at Newcastle and Twente, called him the “toughest player” he had ever seen.
“In all of football, he had the most beautiful smile. He said to BBC Radio 5 live, “Every morning in Newcastle, if (Papiss) Cisse and Cheike were grinning, I knew everything was well.
“As a young player at Twente, I got to know him initially. I have never seen a player as fierce as he was. He was a fierce competitor, both on the field and in training. He desired to kick every player, win every tackle, and win every game.
“Everyone wanted a player like him on their squad. He emerged victorious. It’s just unbelievable to me.
“Playing in China was his goal, so when it came true, I was ecstatic for him. He worked to support his family financially. In order to take care of his family, he loved playing football. Uncles, aunts, grandparents, and other family members all depended on him to take care of them.”
Newcastle great Peter Beardsley said on BBC Radio 5 live that “Cheick was one of the best we had in terms of his attitude.”
“He had a wicked sense of humour, he was top class and he will certainly be missed in this city.”
Beardsley continued, “He was flat out every day in training and was a brilliant example to the kids at our club.” Beardsley is currently employed by Newcastle. He cherished a good tackle.