Tearful James McAtee says it has been ‘hard to talk’ to his old Sheffield United team-mates after the death of George Baldock as the Man City youngster pays tribute to a ‘special person’

An emotional James McAtee dedicated both England Under-21 goals to the late George Baldock at the end of a painful week.

The Manchester City midfielder formed a bond with Baldock after a two-year loan at Sheffield United and the pair remained close.

McAtee took the news of Baldock’s death hard and broke down in tears as he paid tribute to the 31-year-old, who died by drowning in Greece on Wednesday.

“I’ve been talking to some of my old teammates and it’s been hard to talk to them, to be honest,” said a visibly upset 21-year-old.

‘Even when I left [Sheffield United] he still texted me asking if i needed anything. When I was there, he welcomed me with open arms, he took care of me.

‘I played for him and for what he gave me. Everyone knows he is a special player and a special person. I am very emotional right now and wish his family the best. It’s been a tough week.’

McAtee had prepared a shirt reading ‘rest in peace brother’ to unveil in case he scored and he finished with a late brace to inspire England to a 2-1 win over Ukraine, a result that saw them qualify for the next summer’s European Championship effectively confirmed. Championship.

“I was desperate to score,” he added. “When I did that it was in honor of George. Luckily I’ve been here in England with my friends, but I’ve kept him in my thoughts.

‘I’ve said all week, and the boys will back me, that I would score a free-kick. I just felt it. My free kicks were good in training.

“The second is something I gave at home [Pep Guardiola] told me what to do: get in the box and create overloads and numbers, then you will have a chance. He recently told me to add it to my game.”