Tributes from across the footballing world are pouring in after the demise of former Sheffield United full-back George Baldock.
Baldock was discovered useless within the swimming pool of his residence in Glyfada, southern Athens, on Wednesday evening, with native police unable to resuscitate him upon their arrival on the scene.
The Greek worldwide had joined Panathinaikos earlier this summer time on a three-year contract following the conclusion of his deal at Sheffield United. He had spent seven years at Bramall Lane, making over 200 appearances for the membership within the Premier League and Championship.
Tributes to Baldock from golf equipment, previous team-mates and former professionals have began to stream in on social media, with many expressing their shock on the sudden passing of the 31-year-old, who began his skilled profession at Milton Keynes Dons.
Sheffield United wrote of their former participant: Sheffield United Soccer Membership is shocked and very saddened to study of the passing of former participant, George Baldock. The defender left the membership in the summertime after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extraordinarily common with supporters, employees and teammates who pulled on a crimson and white shirt alongside him.
“The honest condolences of everybody related to Sheffield United are prolonged to George’s household and buddies.”
Manchester Metropolis winger James McAtee, who spent the 2023/24 season on mortgage at Sheffield United, mentioned: “I really like you to bits brother, thanks for taking care of me and in addition thanks for the reminiscences that we shared collectively. Ideas exit to your superb household. Particular participant, particular teammate, particular individual.”
Former Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie, now at Las Palmas, posted: “I genuinely can’t imagine you’ve gone brother, I really feel sick. Among the best folks I’ve ever met, you had been liked by everybody you got here throughout. My coronary heart is damaged on your lovely little household. Sleep effectively GB, I really like you mate.”
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who was beforehand on mortgage at Sheffield United, shared: “Devastated to listen to the information immediately. A good friend, nice teammate, nice participant and in addition an incredible household man. Sending all my like to all of the household. RIP brother.”
Paul Heckingbottom, who Baldock performed below for 2 years at Sheffield United, shared: “Numbing to listen to of George Baldock’s passing, a person with a lot nonetheless forward of him in life as a husband, father, brother and son”, he wrote. “George was tremendous individual and incredible skilled who was admired and adored by all who labored with him. My prayers are along with his family members proper now.”
Sheffield United Soccer Membership is shocked and very saddened to study of the passing of former participant, George Baldock.
The defender left the membership in the summertime after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extraordinarily common with supporters, employees and team-mates who pulled on a… pic.twitter.com/OlDsn0lFpB
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 9, 2024
Numbing to listen to of George Baldock’s passing, a person with a lot nonetheless forward of him in life as a husband, father, brother and son. George was tremendous individual and incredible skilled who was admired and adored by all who labored with him. My prayers are along with his family members proper now pic.twitter.com/HHcnVzekDW
— Paul Heckingbottom (@pheckingbottom) October 10, 2024
Baldock graduated from MK Dons‘ academy in 2009 and his former employers had been one in all many golf equipment to share heartfelt tributes to the right-back.
“We’re deeply devastated and saddened to study in regards to the surprising information of former Academy graduate and MK Dons participant, George Baldock,” the membership posted. “George began his profession at Stadium MK, the place he labored his approach by means of the youth ranks and made his senior profession debut on the Membership earlier than reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years. Everybody affiliated with MK Dons shares an incredible love for George, Sam and the Baldock household, and we wish to share our sincerest condolences throughout these terrible occasions.”
Manchester United and England centre-back Harry Maguire posted: “RIP 💔”, whereas former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson shared: “Horrible information! RIP George Baldock ❤️ 🙏”
There was additionally a tribute paid by former Greece supervisor Gus Poyet, who handed Baldock his worldwide debut in June 2022: “My love and condolences are with George’s household and buddies. I am devastated. Relaxation in peace George,” the Uruguayan wrote.
Greece tackle England in a Nations League conflict at Wembley on Thursday evening – a sport Baldock had not been chosen for – and Mail Sport report that their gamers will put on black armbands in reminiscence of their former team-mate.
A minute’s silence can be anticipated to be held when Greece tackle the Republic of Eire on Sunday afternoon.
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