Pundits have paid tribute to George Baldock after the former Sheffield United defender was found dead at his home in Greece.
Baldock, who also played for teams such as MK Dons and Northampton in England, was discovered after his teammate 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..
The cause of death remains unknown. Police attempted CPR on the 31-year-old former Premier League player but were unable to revive him and emergency medical units confirmed his death at the scene, an official told Reuters.
As the football world mourns, ITV pundits spoke about the defender ahead of England’s match against Baldock’s team Greece on Thursday night.
Ian Wright has led experts’ tributes to former Premier League footballer George Baldock (pictured) after he was found dead in his swimming pool.
Police secured the area outside the home of British-born Panathinaikos and Greek defender Baldock, where he was found dead, in Athens.
ITV pundit Ian Wright said he “can’t help but think about his friends and family”.
Ian Wright, who works as a pundit for ITV, said: “Terrible news, shocking news.” You can’t help but think about his friends and family. Last night I spoke to Karl Robinson (former MK Dons manager) who was devastated.
“He was hardworking and tenacious. You always thought that, because of the way he worked hard, he was always going to get where he wanted to get in the Premier League.”
“I am very sorry and my deepest condolences to his family.”
Wright worked with Baldock during his coaching spell at MK Dons.
Roy Keane added: “They will be surprised.” I remember him at Sheffield United. He had enormous energy and was always ready to fight. The players will react, they will be professional and they will go and perform for him.”
His family have said they are in total “shock” at his death. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played for Greece 12 times after qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother.
‘We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are shocked by this terrible loss. We ask that the media please respect our privacy at this time,’ his family said in a statement late Wednesday night.
Police tried CPR on 31-year-old former Premier League player
The scene where Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
He reportedly contacted the owner of his luxury property and apparently found him unconscious in the pool.
Greece has asked UEFA for permission for both teams to wear black armbands for the Nations League match at 7:45 p.m.
Full-back Baldock was nicknamed ‘Furious George’ by Sheffield United fans, who loved his uncompromising style and win-at-all-costs attitude. Fans also called him ‘Starman’ and sang his name to the tune of the David Bowie song as he ran down the wing.
Baldock’s partner reportedly tried to contact him for several hours with no response, before contacting the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a southern suburb of Athens.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the community pool and called emergency services.
He was reportedly in the water for several hours before being found, according to footage seen by the response unit.
A heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player George Baldock,” they posted on X.
‘The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with fans, staff and team-mates who wore a red and white shirt alongside him.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock was a mainstay of English football before leaving and also played 12 times for Greece.
Former teammates and friends, including Ben Chilwell, have also paid tribute to the footballer.
The Blues defender played with Baldock during his time at MK Dons, writing on Instagram: “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.’
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender, simply posting ‘RIP’, along with a broken heart emoji. Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters wrote: Horrible news. RIP Jorge. ‘
Former Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media and commented on X: ‘RIP. Legend of Blades!!!’
