Dele Alli has shared a touching tribute to his former MK Dons teammate George Baldock.
Baldock was found dead on Wednesday last week after drowning in the pool of his villa in Greece.
The 31-year-old had moved to Panathinaikos after seven seasons at Sheffield United.
Alli and Baldock were teammates at MK Dons between 2011 and 2015 and shared the pitch 42 times, including the famous 4-0 victory over Manchester United in the EFL Cup in 2014.
“No words I could write or pictures I could use would be enough,” Alli wrote on Instagram.
Dele Alli has published an emotional tribute to his former teammate George Baldock
Alli and Baldock (centre) were teammates at MK Dons before the former moved to Spurs.
Baldock, former Sheffield United defender, died aged 31 in Greece after drowning in a swimming pool
Alli, who beat Man United 4-0 alongside Baldock, shared several old photos.
‘May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honor of knowing you! I love you brother and will miss you forever!
‘My thoughts, prayers and heart are with his family. Rest in peace Balders.’
The football world was shocked last week after it emerged that Baldock, who made more than 400 appearances in English football, had died.
He was discovered after his partner in England was unable to locate him for several hours, local newspapers report.
The owner of his luxury property was reportedly contacted and apparently found him unconscious in the pool. Emergency services were called and arrived within nine minutes, but were unable to revive him..
Tests later found he had drowned in the communal pool of his villa in Glyfada, an exclusive suburb south of Athens.
He had to fly home to celebrate his son’s first birthday before he died.
Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock is of Greek descent and earned 12 caps for his international team.
Baldock was nicknamed ‘Furious George’ by Sheffield United fans, who loved his uncompromising style and win-at-all-costs attitude. His followers also called him ‘Starman’ and sang his name to the tune of the song. David Bowie as he ran down the wing.
Baldock waves goodbye to the fans before the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane
The footballer signed for Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer and was found dead in his pool.
Baldock was a mainstay of English football before leaving and also played 12 times for Greece.
Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell paid tribute to Baldock, who he played with during their time together at MK Dons.
He began his career at MK Dons and played in England’s top five divisions.
Many football stars have paid their respects to Baldock since his passing.
James McAtee, a former team-mate from his days at Sheffield United, said: “I’ve been talking to some of my old teammates and, to be honest, it’s been difficult talking to them.
‘Even when I left (Sheffield United) he was still texting 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’m very emotional right now and I wish his family the best. It’s been a tough week.”
Former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire he simply posted ‘RIP’, along with a broken heart emoji.
Ben Chilwell, who also played with Baldock at MK Dons, wrote: “From playing in bars together when we were younger at MK, to playing against each other in the Premier League.” I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate.’
