England and Greece pay emotional tribute to George Baldock on night of Nations League clash – after ex-Sheffield United star died aged 31 after ‘drowning’ in swimming pool
England and Greece paid tribute to George Baldock ahead of their UEFA Nations League match after he died aged 31 on Wednesday.
Players from both teams observed a minute’s silence before the match at Wembley after the former Sheffield United defender was found dead in the communal pool of his villa in Greece.
A shirt with Baldock’s name was also on display as part of the touching tribute.
Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football, but earned 12 caps for Greece after qualifying through his grandmother.
He left Sheffield United this summer after seven seasons and joined Greek club Panathinaikos, taking up residence in the upscale suburb of Glyfada, south of Athens.
Kathimerini claims a post-mortem examination was completed in the Greek capital today and ‘drowning in water’ was given as the cause of death by the medical examiner.
England and Greece have paid tribute to George Baldock ahead of their match at Wembley
The players observed a minute’s silence to remember Baldock ahead of their Nations League match
Former Sheffield United defender Baldock died on Wednesday aged 31 in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos
It will take “several days” for toxicology tests performed during the autopsy – including whether alcohol was in his system when he died – to come back. The police have already ruled out any criminal activity.
Both teams will wear black armbands tonight to pay tribute to Baldock, who was left out of the Greek squad due to injury.
The Greek Football Federation said: ‘It is with deep sadness and pain that 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 untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence.
‘Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye’.
Panathinaikos also paid tribute, writing: “We are overwhelmed, we are shocked by the loss of our George. Panathinaikos’ family mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and relatives of George Baldock.”
England international Ben Chilwell, who played with Baldock at MK Dons, wrote a heartfelt tribute. “From stepping up to the plate together when we were younger in MK, to playing against each other in the Premier League. I’m devastated. Rest in peace, buddy,” he wrote on Instagram.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender by simply posting ‘RIP’ alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters wrote: ‘Horrible news. RIP George.’
Baldock says goodbye to fans ahead of the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane in May, before moving to Greece
The scene where Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell paid tribute to Baldock, who he played with during their time together at MK Dons
England defender Harry Maguire was one of the first to respond, writing ‘RIP’ on Instagram
George lived in this building in the Greek capital after moving to club giant Panathinaikos
Emergency services outside the home of British-born Panathinaikos and Greek defender Baldock, where he was found dead, in the exclusive suburb of Glyfada
Police will review CCTV footage from the home to confirm he was alone
Tributes will be paid to ex-Sheffield United player George Baldock outside the club’s Bramall Lane stadium this afternoon
George was known as ‘Starman’ by supporters who sang tributes to him at matches to the tune of David Bowie’s hit
Flowers and shirts were hung in his memory – he spent seven years with the Blades
This card stated that he was a ‘legend’ of the club who would ‘always remain in our hearts’
There were also tributes from his former clubs in England and the FA.
Baldock’s wife reportedly tried to contact him for hours with no response, before contacting the owner of his villa.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the communal swimming pool and called emergency services.
According to footage from the response unit, he was reportedly in the water for several hours before being found.
His boyhood club, MK Dons, said they were ‘devastated’ when they heard the news, in an emotional post saying he ‘will always be one of our own’.
They said: ‘We are deeply devastated and saddened by the shocking news from former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock.
‘George started his career at Stadium MK where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior career debut with the Club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years.
“Everyone associated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincere condolences at these terrible times.
“You’ll always be one of us, George.”
The footballer moved to Greek club Panathinaikos this summer and was found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday
After his partner was unable to contact him, the villa owner searched the property and found him in the pool
Baldock played seven years in the Premier League and Championship with Sheffield United
Reacting to the news, the official English Football Report said they were ‘extremely saddened’.
They continued: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Baldock.
“George was close to many of our players and represented Greece, our opponents, on Thursday evening. We are thinking of George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country at this difficult time.”