Cheick Tiote, the Ivory Coast International and former star of English football club Newcastle United, is dead aged 30.
The prolific midfielder collapsed during training with his Chinese Premier League club Beijing Enterprises.
"It is with deep sadness I confirm that Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training," said his agent 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."
His former club Newcastle United mourned Tiote's "tragic passing".
"We are devastated to have learnt of the tragic passing of Cheick Tiote at the age of just 30," the club said in a statement.
"The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with Cheick's family, friends, team-mates and everyone connected with the clubs he represented."
More to come.
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