Former Newcastle United player Cheick Tiote has passed away after collapsing during a training session on Monday.
The Ivorian was training with second-tier Chinese side Beijing Enterprises, whom he joined in January, when he passed out and was rushed to hospital.
But emergency treatment failed to revive him, and it was later confirmed that he had passed away.
Tiote’s representative Emanuele Palladino said: “It is with deep sadness that I confirm that my client Cheick Tiote sadly passed away earlier today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises.
“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.”
Tiote has been a mainstay in Beijing Enterprises, starting all 11 matches to date this season.
On Saturday, the 30-year-old helped his team secure a 4-2 victory against Baoding Ronda.
The midfielder started his career in Belgium with Anderlecht and also represented Twente and Roda JC in the Netherlands, as well as making 52 international appearances for Ivory Coast.