George Baldock’s touching parting message to Sheffield United fans when he left the club this summer has resurfaced after his death aged 31.
The football world was left in shock on Wednesday evening when reports in Greece claimed he had been found dead in a swimming pool in a suburban Athenian villa.
Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos this summer after playing for the Blades for seven seasons, winning two promotions to the Premier League.
At Bramall Lane he became popular for his full-blooded style and was even duibebd by some as ‘Furious George’, giving his all for the shirt.
Baldock filmed a video with Sheffield United when he left and it begins: ‘To all you Sheffield United fans, it’s a huge thank-you from me.
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has reportedly died aged 31 in Greece
The footballer moved to Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer and was found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday night
Baldock was a mainstay of English football before leaving and also played 12 times for Greece
‘You’ve been absolutely amazing. Your support has been so much more than I ever expected. Like I said, you’re the best around.
‘Keep supporting the team and the staff and hopefully the club can get back to where we all want it to be.
‘I leave here as a massive fan of the club. Good luck and thank you.’
Greek outlets such as Sport24 and SDNA claim that his wife had tried to contact him for several hours without reply on Wednesday.
Eventually she got in touch with the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens, who went to the property and found him in the pool.
Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played for Greece 12 times. He started his career at MK Dons and played in all of England’s top five divisions.
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.
Baldock, 31, was starting a new life in Greece with before he passed away
Sheffield United posted on X: ‘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.’
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