Former Cote d'Ivoire international Tiote dies after collapse

Cote d'Ivoire midfielder Chieck Tiote died in the hospital June 5, 2017 after collapsing during a training session with the Beijing Enterprises Group Football Club.

Chieck Tiote dies after collapse. [File photo: thepaper.cn]

In a statement, the Chinese first division club said Tiote was rushed to the hospital immediately after he passed out on the pitch. He was pronounced dead the following day. The cause of death has yet to be released.

Beijing Enterprises Group FC has also expressed its condolences to Tiote's family.

"Since joining Beijing Enterprise Group FC on Feb 5, 2017, Mr. Cheik Tiote had contributed to the club significantly. His football skills and professionalism had been much appreciated and highly praised by the club, the coaches and his teammates. Beijing BG football club expresses our deepest sorrow following Mr. Tiote's passing," the club said.

Tiote moved to Beijing from English Premier League side New Castle, and would have turned to 32 in two weeks.

"R.I.P. Wish there is a soccer field in heaven," said the Chinese national team in a statement.

"Beijing is cold with drizzles tonight. Tiote, rest in peace," said Beijing Enterprises Group's crosstown rival, the Beijing Renhe club.

Chieck Tiote's former teammates expressed condolences on social media. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

"We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of former Newcastle United midfielder Chieck Tiote." said by his former Newcastle team. Beyond his former club Newcastle, Premiership squads including Arsenal, Manchester city and Liverpool have sent condolences. "The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with the loved ones of Chieck Tiote, may he rest in peace."

Chieck Tiote's former teammates expressed condolences on social media. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

"We are saddened to hear of the sudden, tragic passing of Chieck Tiote and would like to express our condolences to his friends and family," Manchester City is being quoted on its official website.

Chieck Tiote's former teammates expressed condolences on social media. [Photo: thepaper.cn]

Some of his former teammates and friends have also expressed condolences to Tiote through online platforms, such as Demba Ba, Siem de Jong and Oscar. "May Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote" said Demba Ba, friend and former teammate of Tiote.