Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock drowned whereas swimming in a pool at his house in Athens, his household mentioned in a press release.
The England-born Greece worldwide’s demise was confirmed on Wednesday night time on the age of 31.
“We’re heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We will affirm {that a} autopsy examination has discovered that George tragically drowned while swimming within the pool at his house in Glyfada, Athens,” a press release from Baldock’s household learn.
“George, you have been essentially the most particular father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, pal, teammate and particular person. Your enthusiasm and infectious persona introduced a lot love to those who have been lucky sufficient to know you and people who adored you from the stands. We are going to without end cherish the particular reminiscences now we have of you and you’ll proceed to dwell on in your lovely son. You have been because of fly house as we speak for us to have fun his first birthday collectively, however as a substitute we mourn your loss.
“As a household it has been extremely touching, however equally so very troublesome to learn the large variety of tributes written by people who knew George and from these whose life he touched. It was inconceivable to not love him. We ask that you simply please proceed to respect our privateness at this devastating time as we start to course of our grief.”
Tributes have been paid to Baldock forward of England’s conflict in opposition to Greece (John Walton/PA Pictures through Getty Pictures)
With England enjoying Greece within the Nations League on Thursday night, gamers from each nations wore black armbands and held a one-minute silence earlier than kick-off as a tribute to Baldock.
Greece’s gamers additionally held up Baldock’s No 2 shirt as a mark of respect after they opened the scoring at Wembley by Vangelis Pavlidis within the forty ninth minute.
Baldock joined Greek facet Panathinaikos in the summertime after seven years at Sheffield United.
Sheffield United expressed their shock and disappointment at Baldock’s passing, talking of his recognition amongst supporters and employees throughout his time on the membership. The Championship facet launched a press release on Wednesday, extending condolences to Baldock’s household and associates.
Having joined Sheffield United from MK Dons in 2017, Baldock made greater than 200 appearances for South Yorkshire facet, serving to the staff safe two promotions to the Premier League. His contributions included a standout efficiency within the 2019-20 season after they achieved their highest top-flight place, ending ninth.
Brighton & Hove Albion, the place Baldock’s brother Sam is a pathway improvement coach, additionally provided their condolences.
Baldock, who certified to signify Greece by his grandmother, earned 12 caps for his nation. His final worldwide look was in March, throughout a European Championship play-off match in opposition to Georgia.
GO DEEPER
George Baldock – the Metal Metropolis’s adopted son – epitomised the Sheffield United fairytale
(Prime photograph: Marc Atkins/Getty Pictures))
