Tributes to former Sheffield United defender George Baldock after death aged 31
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has been found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Greece.
The Greek Super League confirmed the news on social media on Wednesday, 9 October.
The 31-year-old played more than 200 games for the Blades during his seven years at Bramall Lane, winning two promotions to the Premier League.
Buckinghamshire-born Baldock began his career with MK Dons and had loan spells at Northampton, Oxford and Tamworth.
In a statement, his family said: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away.
"As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss."
In a statement online, Sheffield United said it was "shocked and extremely saddened" by the news.
The statement continued: "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him. "The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends."
England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted "RIP" and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram, while ex-team-mate Dean Henderson posted "RIP Blades legend" on X along with a picture of the pair.
City rivals Sheffield Wednesday also paid tribute to Baldock.
"Absolutely heartbreaking news," the club said in a statement."Our sincere condolences are with George’s family, friends and former colleagues on and off the pitch at Sheffield United."
Meanwhile, MK Dons, where Baldock made more than 100 appearances, said they would mark his death at their weekend home match against Port Vale.
Baldock played there with his older brother Sam.
A spokesman said: "Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times.
"You will always be one of our own, George."
The England national team have also paid their respects, saying "We're thinking of George's family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time."
The full-back joined Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer and played for them at the weekend.
A statement from the Greece national team read: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the National Team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.
"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence.
"Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."
A Panathinaikos statement added: "We are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death.
"We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock."
Greek police say there is no evidence that criminal activity caused his death.
A statement from Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection released said: "A preliminary investigation has been carried out by the Attica Security Directorate.
"A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity.
"In addition, the police searched the house to determine if there are any traces of a burglary, with a negative result.
"Also, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check at the house in order to exclude the possibility of criminal activity."
The Football Association confirmed there would be a period of silence before Thursday night’s Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley, and that players of both sides would wear black armbands.
The FA confirmed tributes would also be paid pre-match to Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, who died last week aged 79.
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