Pundits have paid tribute to George Baldock after the former Sheffield United defender was found dead at his home in Greece.
Baldock, who also played for the likes of MK Dons and Northampton in England, was discovered after his partner back home in England had been unable to get hold of him for several hours, local newspapers report.
The owner of his luxury property was reportedly contacted and apparently found him unresponsive in the pool. The emergency services were called and arrived in nine minutes, but he could not be revived.
The cause of death remains unknown. Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old former Premier League player but could not revive him and medical emergency units confirmed his death at the scene, one official told Reuters.
With the football world mourning, ITV pundits spoke on the former defender prior to England’s game against Greece – Baldock’s national team – on Thursday evening.
Ian Wright has led pundits’ tributes to former Premier League footballer George Baldock (pictured) after he was found dead in his pool
Police secured the area outside the house of British-born Panathinaikos and Greece defender Baldock, where he was found dead, in Athens
ITV pundit Ian Wright said that he ‘cannot help but think about his friends and family’
Ian Wright, working as a pundit for ITV, said: ‘Terrible news, shocking news. You cannot help but think about his friends and family, I spoke to Karl Robinson [former MK Dons manager] last night who was devastated.
‘He was hard-working and strong minded, You always thought, the way he applied himself, he was always going to get to where he wanted to go in the Premier League.
‘I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.’
Wright worked with Baldock during a coaching stint at MK Dons.
Roy Keane added: ‘They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had huge energy and was always up for a battle. The players will react, be professional and go and put on a performance for him.’
His family have said they are in total ‘shock’ over his death. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played for Greece 12 times after qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother.
‘We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time’, his family said in a statement late on Wednesday night.
Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old former Premier League player
The scene where Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
The owner of his luxury property was reportedly contacted and apparently found him unresponsive in the pool
Greece have asked UEFA for permission for both teams to wear black armbands for the Nations League fixture at 7.45pm.
Full back Baldock was nicknamed ‘Furious George’ by Sheffield United fans who loved his uncompromising style and win at all costs attitude. Supporters also called him ‘Starman’ – and sung his name to the tune of the song by David Bowie as he ran down the wing.
Baldock’s partner reportedly tried to contact him for several hours without a response, before she got in touch with the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the communal pool and called the emergency services.
He was reportedly in the water for several hours before he was found, according to images seen by the response unit.
A heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans.
‘Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,’ they posted on X.
‘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.’
Baldock was a mainstay of English football before leaving and also played 12 times for Greece
Former team-mates and friends including Ben Chilwell have also paid tributes to the footballer.
The Blues defender played with Baldock during their time at MK Dons and wrote on Instagram: ‘From hitting the bars together when we were younger in MK, to playing each other in the Premier League. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate.’
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender, simply posting ‘RIP’, alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton full back Kyle Walker-Peters wrote: Horrible news. RIP George. ‘
Ex-Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media and commented on X: ‘RIP. Blades legend!!!’
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