World football is mourning the passing of Cheick Tiote. The Côte d'Ivoire midfielder died suddenly during a training session with his Chinese club Beijing Enterprises on Monday. He was 30 years old.

A defensive midfielder that enjoyed spells in Belgium, the Netherlands, and England, Tiote represented his country at two FIFA World Cups™ in 2010 and 2014 and four CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015. Tiote made two appearances during the Elephants’ run to winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title in Equatorial Guinea.

His career started in his native Côte d'Ivoire with FC Bibo before he made the move to Europe when he joined Anderlecht in 2005. Limited appearances with the Belgian giants led to a season-long loan move to Dutch club Roda JC Kerkrade for the 2007/08 season, before he made a permanent move to Dutch Eredivisie rivals Twente the follow season.

After two years with Twente, Tiote joined English Premier League side Newcastle United in August 2010. The midfielder spent six-and-a-half seasons with the Magpies before moving to the Far East when he signed for China League One side Beijing Enterprises in February this year.