British-born Greece defender George Baldock dies aged 31

The physique of British-born Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock was discovered on Wednesday in a swimming pool at his dwelling within the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada, Reuters reported citing police sources.

The reason for dying remained unknown.

Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old former Premier League participant however couldn’t revive him, a police official stated.

The time of dying was recorded as 10 p.m. native time (7 p.m. GMT).

“We will affirm that George has sadly handed away,” a reported household assertion learn. “As a household we’re in shock at this horrible loss.”

Baldock, who was of Greek ancestry and was capped 12 occasions for the nation, joined Panathinaikos in Might from Sheffield United after the English facet had been relegated from the highest flight.

Sheffield United stated in a press release: “The defender left the membership in the summertime after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extraordinarily in style with supporters, employees and teammates who pulled on a purple and white shirt alongside him.

“The honest condolences of everybody related to Sheffield United are prolonged to George’s household and associates.”

He additionally performed for decrease league sides MK Dons and Oxford United.

Baldock made 4 appearances for Panathinaikos, together with a 0-0 draw with native rivals Olympiakos final weekend, however had not been chosen for Greece’s Nations League squad for a recreation towards England at Wembley on Thursday.

“With deep unhappiness and ache, the nationwide crew and the Hellenic Soccer Federation say goodbye to George Baldock,” the Greek crew stated on Fb.

“There are not any phrases to explain the human ache attributable to the information of the premature lack of certainly one of our younger individuals. The second requires silence. Condolences to his household. Condolences from his second household. Goodbye.”

England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United participant, posted {a photograph} of Baldock on Instagram with a damaged coronary heart emoji. Different former teammates, together with goalkepeer Dean Henderson, have additionally paid tribute to Baldock.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin additionally despatched his condolences.