Greek police earlier confirmed there was no evidence that criminal activity caused the death of the 31-year-old
George Baldock, a former Sheffield United defender, drowned while swimming in his pool at home in Athens, his family has confirmed.
Greek police had acknowledged that there was no evidence that criminal activity contributed to the death of the 31-year-old Greece international, who joined with Athens club Panathinaikos in the summer.
“We are grieved by the tragic death of our dear George. We can report that a post-mortem examination revealed that George sadly drowned while swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens,” said Baldock’s family in a statement.
“George, you were the most wonderful father, fiancee, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate, and individual. Your contagious energy and excitement endeared you to both those who knew you and those who watched from the stands.We will remember our particular memories of you forever, and you will live on through your lovely son. You were supposed to go home today to celebrate his first birthday with us, but now we mourn your death.As a family, it has been immensely moving, but also extremely heartbreaking to read the numerous tributes given by those who knew George and those whose lives he touched.
“It was impossible to not love him. We ask that you continue to respect our privacy during this difficult time as we grieve our grief.
Baldock, who left the Blades in the summer to join Panathinaikos, earned 12 caps for Greece after being eligible through his grandmother. He last appeared in their team for the Euro 2024 play-off defeat to Georgia.
There was a moment of silence before Thursday night’s Nations League encounter between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium, which the visitors won 2-1, with Baldock’s image displayed on the big screens.
Players from both teams wore black armbands, and the Greece team held up his shirt after scoring their first goal in the shocking Wembley victory.
According to Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic, Baldock left his mark on the squad.
“The whole team and everyone has gone through a very difficult 24 hours,” he told reporters. “He was with us in the changing room; this shouldn’t have happened.
“In such cases, football isn’t important. He created an impression on us with the way the players interacted with him on the pitch today.”
In a statement, Greek police claimed there was no proof that Baldock’s death was the result of illegal activity.
“The Attica Security Directorate conducted a preliminary investigation,” according to a statement from Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection.
“A forensic pathologist was sent to the scene and examined the deceased, finding no signs of criminal activity.
“In addition, the police searched the premises for evidence of a burglary, which yielded negative results.
“Also, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check at the house in order to exclude the possibility of criminal activity.”
The Blades paid tribute to Baldock, who played seven seasons at Bramall Lane, three of them in the Premier League.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player George Baldock,” a club statement on social media said.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was immensely popular with fans, staff, and teammates who wore red and white shirts alongside him.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock was first called up to play for Greece in 2022, while Gus Poyet was the coach.
According to a statement from the Greece national team, “There are no words to explain the human anguish caused by the news of the sudden death of one of our own, young, men. The occasion requires stillness. Our condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.
UEFA also announced a minute’s silence before Greece’s home match against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Read more news on:https://sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply