Ex-Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote, 30, dies after collapsing in training in China

Former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote has died at 30 years old after collapsing on the field while training with his club in China.

His agent confirmed Tiote's death to the media. Newcastle issued a statement as well.

"The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick's family, friends, teammates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented."

"It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick's death." Newcastle United manager Rafa Benítez said in a statement. "In the all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man."

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

We'll never forget you, Cheick. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/c8aO6EyW5w
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 5, 2017

Tiote was training with Chinese Super League team Beijing Enterprises when he collapsed on the ground and was taken to a local hospital, according to reports.

His former teammates, countrymen and opponents and more reacted to the tragic news via Twitter:

No words 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😱😱😱😱💔💔💔💔 #cheicktiote
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) June 5, 2017

Devastating news of the death of Cheick Tiote. RIP. ⚫⚪
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 5, 2017

Today I lose a big brother, a friend, a confidant. Thank you for all these years of kindness and fraternity. #Love #RIP pic.twitter.com/xhr5R8Ui9z
— Moussa Sissoko (@MoussaSissoko) June 5, 2017

😭😭😭 may Allah gives grant you jannah brother Tiote 😭😭😭
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) 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

My brother Chiek. I cannot believe you are gone. I will never forget you. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Ab1Q9VyWly
— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) June 5, 2017

Damn. Can't believe it. RIP Cheicky... Gone way to soon😢
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) 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

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

Completely devastated and saddened by the death of cheick tiote...why now Bro...Rest Well pic.twitter.com/ak8x2iAH7F
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) June 5, 2017

Shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Cheick Tioté, I pass on my condolences to his friends & family, way too young #ripcheickTiote 🙏
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) June 5, 2017

RIP Cheick Tiote... #LetsChangeTheGame @Heart4MoreFdn pic.twitter.com/gwVt7su55u
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) June 5, 2017

Tiote also starred for the Ivory Coast in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup.