A former Newcastle United midfielder, Cheick Tiote, has died after collapsing during training in China, aged 30, a spokesman for the player has announced.
The Ivory Coast international football star, spent seven years at the Tyneside club, making 138 league appearances.
He joined Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises in February.
“It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training,” said the spokesman.
“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.”
Born in the Ivory Coast, Tiote was part of the Ivorian squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career in Belgium with Anderlecht in 2005 before moving to Dutch side FC Twente, where he made 86 appearances and won the Eredivisie league title in the 2009-10 season under manager Steve McLaren.
Tiote, a defensive midfielder, then signed for Newcastle in 2010 for £3.5m.
In 2011, he scored a memorable goal as Newcastle United came back from 4-0 down to draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.