Ivorian midfielder, Cheick Tiote died on Monday, June 5 after collapsing during training in China, aged 30.
Tiote was part of the Ivorian squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
‘It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training,’ said his spokesperson, Emanuele Palladino.
‘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.’
READ: Former Newcastle United player, Cheick Tioté slumps and dies in training
The former Newcastle United defensive midfielder joined the English team in 2010 for £3.5m and made 150 appearances before moving to Chinese club, Beijing Enterprises in February.
Football clubs, fans, and many soccer stars including Gareth Bale, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer, Papiss Cissé, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany have paid tribute.
FIFA, his former club and more have joined in paying tribute
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends & team-mates of Cheick Tiote, who passed away today in China, aged just 30. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/uqOV3oocIg
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2017
We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tioté in China today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PCrIEUyugv
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with the family and friends of Cheick Tiote after his passing today. Rest in peace.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 5, 2017
Everyone at the club is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Cheick Tiote. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/OLcZtBscBu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 5, 2017
Rest in peace, Cheick Tioté – our condolences are with the Ivorian Football family, his family and friends. #RIPTiote pic.twitter.com/LmQji08fTm
— The NFF (@thenff) June 5, 2017
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Cheick Tioté and our colleagues at #NUFC
Such sad news. https://t.co/TmNXuRGMcH
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 5, 2017
The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with the loved ones of Cheick Tiote
May he rest in peace pic.twitter.com/zEo5FF5lcE
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 5, 2017
We are saddened to hear of the sudden, tragic passing of Cheick Tioté and would like to express our condolences to his friends and family.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 5, 2017
Rest in peace, Cheick Tioté – our condolences are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/F6FvoNkna1
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 5, 2017
Michael Essien, Bale and more expressed their sorrow
Here today,gone tomorrow Rest In Peace Cheick Tiote my condolence to his family and friends.#RIP pic.twitter.com/T2FW00BmL7
— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) June 6, 2017
Awful news, so sorry to hear about Cheick Tioté, my thoughts are with his family and friends
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) June 5, 2017
Devastated to hear the news about Cheick Tiote’s death. RIP. pic.twitter.com/iVBZozpJ4B
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) June 5, 2017
The warmth of the tributes to Cheick Tiote tonight serves as a timely reminder that Muslim immigrants are welcome in our communities.
— Damian Spellman (@DamianSpellman) June 5, 2017
Always sad 2 lose a member of the football family. RIP Cheick Tiote ✊ pic.twitter.com/mKqqMTrBBP
— Oupa Manyisa (@OupaManyisa20) June 5, 2017
Shocked to hear the news that former @NUFC midfielder Cheick Tiote has passed away.. thoughts & prayers with his family & friends!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 5, 2017
Can’t believe it… RIP Cheick Tiote pic.twitter.com/qk8WMXj22K
— Isaac Hayden (@IsaacHayden65) June 5, 2017
Dreadful news that Cheick Tioté has passed away. So young. So tragic.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 5, 2017
Devastating news of the death of Cheick Tiote. RIP. ⚫⚪
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 5, 2017
Rest In Peace, Cheick Tioté, my condolences to his family and friends pic.twitter.com/ZDEXdG1rzt
— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) June 5, 2017
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.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 5, 2017
Shockingly sad news. RIP Cheick Tiote. Thanks for everything. The Geordies will never forget you. D #nufc
⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️⬛️— antanddec (@antanddec) June 5, 2017
So sad to hear the news about #cheicktiote RIP. He will be missed.
— Nuri Şahin (@nurisahin) June 6, 2017
No words #cheicktiote
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) June 5, 2017
And fans
Sad to hear the news of the departure of one of the games great player your memories shall forever live with us Rest in peace Cheick Tiote
— iddrisu mikdad (@mikidad22) June 6, 2017
RIP Cheick Tiote.
You silenced Arsenal fans in 2011 with that goal, but today you’ve silenced all football fans with your early departure.— Moh Haider (@ArsenalMoh8) June 5, 2017
Everything about this video is perfect. The goal, the commentary, Harper’s celebration
RIP Cheick Tiote
pic.twitter.com/MYs4t6tsdT— Luke (@Azpified) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tioté. At such a young age as well, So sad. Thoughts are with his family and friends. ♥
— Josh Zerker (@ZerkaaHD) June 5, 2017
7 years in Black and White, one league goal but it meant so much. No one can forget it. RIP Cheick Tioté pic.twitter.com/oP5te6hzB8
— Rob Brodie (@robertbrodie) June 5, 2017
RIP Cheick Tioté. Aged just 30. Taken way too soon. Thanks for the memories you created in the Premier League.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) June 5, 2017
Rest in peace Cheick Tiote. Will never forget him for being a part of that entertaining Newcastle side. Ba, Cisse, Ben Arfa, Colo, Guti…
— Ryan Pushpam (@ryanpushpam) June 5, 2017
May his soul rest in peace.