George Baldock’s family issue heartbreaking statement after tragic death

Baldock had been found unresponsive at his home in Greece

On Wednesday evening, it was reported that the former Sheffield United player - who spent seven years at Bramall Lane - had been found dead in his swimming pool at his home in Athens, Greece.

The defender had joined Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer.

Greek media reported that Baldock's wife had tried repeatedly to reach him after no contact for several hours. They eventually managed to get in touch with the owner of the villa where the footballer lived in Glyfada, southern Athens.

During a search of the property, Baldock was found unresponsive in the pool of the property.

In a statement, his family confirmed he had passed away.

It read: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away.

"As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time."

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Sheffield United said the club was "shocked and extremely saddened" to learn of Baldock's death.

The 31-year-old played 219 times for the Blades, including 83 Premier League appearances.

The Yorkshire club said: "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on 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 represented Greece on the international stage and had moved to Greek giants Panathinaikos in the summer. The Athens club posted on social media: "The Panathinaikos family mourns the untimely death of our club’s footballer, George Baldock, who passed away at the age of 31.

"KAE Panathinaikos AKTOR expresses its pain and sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."

The Greek Super League said in its own statement: "The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

After starting his career at MK Dons, Baldock went on to play for Northampton Town, Tamworth and Oxford United, before his move to Sheffield United.

Eligible to represent Greece through his maternal grandmother, he earned 12 international caps.