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GEORGE Baldock’s heartbroken family have paid tribute to the “most special person” after the footballer’s cause of death has been confirmed.
The defensive ace, 31, was found dead at home in Athens on Wednesday night with his family left in the dark over how the star died.
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GettyGeorge Baldock’s family have released a touching statement saying: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.
“You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.
“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.
“We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.
“You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”
The family also confirmed his cause of death as drowning in his swimming pool at his home.
Investigations into Baldock’s shock death revealed the ex-Sheffield United player died in the pool.
A large amount of water was found in Baldock’s lungs leading police to believe he drowned.
Initial autopsy results confirmed the likely cause of death as “microscopically foamy microbubbles” had formed on the footballer – an indication of drowning.
Forensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital today say he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.
A police source told the Sun: “There were no bruises or cuts on his body.
“When he was removed from the bottom of the pool and turned round water gushed out of him, suggesting, of course, that he had drowned.”
But it remains unclear why the water got into his lungs in the first place.
The family’s touching statement ended with them saying: “As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.
“It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”
Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.
A half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police initially investigating whether another person was present at the time.
Officials have since ruled out any criminality was at play in his death.
According to Greek media, Baldock’s fiance – who lives in England – was trying to contact the former Sheffield United star and had began to worry.
After failing to track him down, she then told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.
The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.
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LNPThe Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by emergency services.
They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.
The emergency service (EKAV) doctor deemed that Baldock’s death had occurred at least an hour before he was found by the landlord.
Tributes flowed to Baldock following the news of his death.
Baldock’s family later released a statement saying: “as a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
The football clubs he played for also released touching tributes.
Panathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.
“The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute.
They said: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
“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.”
Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George Baldock
By Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports Reporter
IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.
A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.
But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…
That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.
And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.
Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.
The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.
However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.
Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.
It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.
Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.
I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.
Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.
A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?’
“At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.
“You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.
“Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.
“And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”
It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.
The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.
The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.
Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.
“Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”
Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.
He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.
He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.
But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.
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