Former Sheffield United and Greece defender George Baldock has died aged 31.
The Buckingham-born right-back, who also spent eight years at MK Dons, was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, Athens.
Baldock moved to the Greek capital last summer to play for Panathinaikos after seven years at Sheffield United, playing 219 games.
Initially following older brother Sam, 35, through the MK Dons academy, Baldock had loan spells at Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV in Iceland, Tamworth and Oxford United, where his other brother James is the club doctor.
Baldock was promoted to the Premier League twice at Sheffield United, playing every game of the 2019-20 season, and represented Greece 12 times after qualifying through his grandmother.
Former teammates Harry Maguire and Dean Henderson are among the players to pay tribute to Baldock, with Henderson calling him a “Blades legend”.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,” the club said in a statement.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates 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.”
The Greek national team said: “With profound sadness and sorrow, 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 unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”
The Football Association said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country.”
Meanwhile, the English Football League wrote: “The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Baldock, a player who made a lasting impact with spells across the league at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Northampton Town and MK Dons.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues.”
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