George Baldock's devastated family speaks out after footballer's death aged 31 | Football

George Baldock’s family faces the devastating loss of the young footballer who died unexpectedly aged 31.

Tragedy struck when the Panathinaikos defender was found lifeless in his villa’s swimming pool on Wednesday, having only moved to Athens this summer following an impressive seven years at Sheffield United which saw him achieve two promotions. and an international cap for Greece. The alarm was raised when his wife noticed his unusual silence for several hours, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene where a doctor pronounced him dead.

Baldock, who recently faced Olympiacos in their last match on October 6, is expected to play a posthumous role in the game between Greece and England at a packed Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.

In a heartfelt plea, his family expressed their sorrow: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss. We please ask that the media respect our privacy at this time.”

Paying tribute, Panathinaikos released a statement mourning their beloved player: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The Panathinaikos family mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock .”

Sheffield United have shared their sadness at the death of their beloved former team member: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player George Baldock. The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff and team-mates who wore a red and white shirt alongside him.”

Baldock will be fondly remembered for his time at MK Dons, where he made a remarkable 125 appearances and gained valuable experience on loan at Northampton, Oxford, Tamworth and Icelandic club IBV.

Northampton Town expressed their heartache in a statement, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31. George made 5 appearances in 2011 on loan from MK Dons before playing for Oxford and Sheff Utd Sending our deepest condolences to George’s family and friends.”

The football community is in mourning, with tributes to George Baldock. One of the first to pay tribute was former Sheffield United star Harry Maguire, who took to social media to express his respects.

Kyle Walker-Peters, close to Baldock off the field and known to have spent holidays together, also shared his grief, joining many in celebrating the life of the much-loved 31-year-old.