George Baldock's family release statement after footballer's tragic death aged 31

George Baldock was recovered dormant astatine his villa successful Greece connected Wednesday nighttime and his household person present released a connection aft the 31-year-old was discovered successful his pool

George Baldock's household person released a heartbreaking connection arsenic they woody with his sudden passing astatine the property of 31.

The Panathinaikos defender was recovered dormant successful the excavation of his villa connected Wednesday. His woman raised suspicions erstwhile Baldock hadn't been successful interaction for respective hours and exigency services were sent round. A doc past confirmed helium had died.

Baldock lone moved to the Greek superior to articulation Panathinaikos successful the summertime pursuing 7 years astatine Sheffield United, wherever helium gained 2 promotions. He was besides capped by Greece, who volition look England astatine a sold retired Wembley connected Thursday evening.

His household person said: "We tin corroborate that George has sadly passed away. As a household we are successful daze astatine this unspeakable loss. We inquire delight that the media respect our privateness astatine this time."

His club, Panathinaikos, whom helium past played for connected October 6 against Olympiacos, has paid tribute to their player. They said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the nonaccomplishment of our George. The household of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We basal with the household and loved ones of George Baldock.”

Sheffield United besides released a connection which read: "Sheffield UnitedFootballClub is shocked and highly saddened to larn of the passing of erstwhile player, George Baldock. The defender near the nine successful the summertime aft 7 years astatine Bramall Lane and was highly fashionable with supporters, unit and team-mates who pulled connected a reddish and achromatic garment alongside him."

Baldock begun his vocation astatine MK Dons and would marque 125 appearances for the club. Whilst there, particularly arsenic a young player, helium enjoyed respective indebtedness spells distant astatine the likes of Northampton, Oxford, non-league broadside Tamworth and Icelandic outfit IBV.

Northampton person paid tribute to the subordinate successful a statement: "We are profoundly saddened to larn of the passing of erstwhile loanee George Baldock astatine the tragically young property of 31. George made 5 appearances successful 2011 connected indebtedness from MK Dons earlier playing for Oxford and Sheff Utd. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s household and friends."

Several players person besides travel retired and recognised Baldock's untimely passing. Harry Maguire, who was besides erstwhile connected the books of Sheffield United, was among the archetypal large names to wage his respects connected societal media.

Shortly aft Kyle Walker-Peters, whom Baldock was affable with distant from the pitch, antecedently holidaying together, besides made his feelings known arsenic helium remembered the 31-year-old.