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 MK Dons and Northampton in England, was discovered after his partner at home in England could not get hold of him for several hours, local newspapers report.
The owner of his luxury home was reportedly contacted and found him apparently unconscious in the pool. Emergency services were called and arrived within nine minutes, but he could not be resuscitated.
The cause of death remains unknown. Police tried to resuscitate the 31-year-old former Premier League player but were unable to revive him and emergency medical services confirmed his death at the scene, an official told Reuters.
As the football world mourned, ITV pundits spoke about the defender ahead of England’s Baldock national team match against Greece on Thursday evening.
Ian Wright has led experts’ tribute to former Premier League footballer George Baldock (pictured) after he was found dead in his swimming pool
Police have secured the area outside the home of British-born Panathinaikos and Greek defender Baldock in Athens where he was found dead.
ITV pundit Ian Wright said he ‘can’t help but think of his friends and family’
Ian Wright, who works as a pundit for ITV, said: ‘Terrible news, shocking news. You can’t help but think of his friends and family, I spoke to Karl Robinson [former MK Dons manager] last night who was devastated.
‘He worked hard and had a strong mind. You always thought that the way he applied himself, he would always get where he wanted to go in the Premier League.
“I am deeply sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”
Wright worked with Baldock during a coaching spell at MK Dons.
Roy Keane added: “They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had enormous energy and was always up for a fight. The players will respond, be professional and put in a performance for him.”
His family says they are in complete shock over his death. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played twelve times for Greece after qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are shocked by this terrible loss. We please ask that the media respect our privacy at this time,” his family said in a statement late Wednesday night.
Police attempted to perform cardiac 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 home was reportedly contacted and found him apparently unconscious in the pool
Greece has asked UEFA for permission to allow both teams to wear black armbands for the Nations League match at 7.45pm.
Fullback 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 sang his name to the tune of the David Bowie song as he ran across the grand piano.
Baldock’s partner reportedly tried to contact him for hours with no response, before contacting the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.
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.
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 by 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 hugely popular with supporters, staff and teammates who donned a red and white shirt alongside him.
“The sincere condolences from everyone involved with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock was a mainstay of English football before he left, also making 12 appearances for Greece
Former teammates and friends, including Ben Chilwell, have also paid tribute to the footballer.
The Blues defender played with Baldock during their time at MK Dons, writing on Instagram: ‘From going to the crossbar together when we were younger at MK, to playing against each other in the Premier League. I’m devastated. Rest in peace, buddy.’
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender by simply posting ‘RIP’ alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters wrote: Terrible news. RIP Georges. ‘
Ex-Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media and commented on X: ‘RIP. Blades legend!!!’