Pundits have paid tribute to Jerzy Baldock after the first Sheffield United defender was found dead at his home in Greece.
Bald, who also played for clubs such as MK Dons and Northampton in England, was discovered after his partner in England was unable to contact him for several hours, local newspapers reported.
According to reports, the owner of his luxury property was contacted and apparently found unresponsive at the pool. Emergency services were called and arrived nine minutes later, but they could not resuscitate him.
The cause of death remains unknown. Police attempted to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old First League player, but they failed to revive him and emergency medical teams confirmed his death at the scene, one of the officials told Reuters.
In the mourning of the entire football world, ITV experts spoke further about the defender before the match between England and Greece – National Team Łysy – on Thursday evening.
Ian Wright paid expert tribute to former Premier League footballer George Baldock (pictured) after he was found dead in his swimming pool
Police secured the area outside the home of British-born Panathinaikos and Greek defender Baldock where he was found dead in Athens
ITV pundit Ian Wright said he 'can't help but think about his friends and family'
Ian Wright, working as a pundit for ITV, said: “Terrible news, shocking news. You can't stop thinking about his friends and family. I spoke to Karl Robinson (former MK Dons manager) last night and he was devastated.
“He was hard-working and mentally strong, you always thought the way he applied himself would always get him to where he wanted in the Premier League.
“I am very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”
Wright worked with Baldock during his coaching career at MK Dons.
Roy Keane added: “They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had great energy and was always ready to fight. The players will react, be professional and go and play for him.
His family said they were “in complete shock” following his death. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played for the Greek national team 12 times after qualifying for the country through his grandmother.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are shocked by this terrible loss. We ask that the media respect our privacy at this time,” his family said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
Police attempted to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old former Premier League player
The scene where Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
According to reports, the owner of his luxury property was contacted and apparently found unresponsive at the pool
Greece has asked UEFA to allow both teams to wear black armbands during the Nations League match at 7:45 p.m.
Full-back Baldock was nicknamed 'Mad George' by Sheffield United fans who loved his uncompromising style and win-at-all-costs attitude. The fans also called him “Starman” and sang his name to the beat of a David Bowie song as he came down the wing.
Baldock's partner reportedly tried to contact him for several hours with no response before contacting the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock at the communal swimming pool and called emergency services.
He was reportedly in the water for several hours before he was found, according to photos seen by the response unit.
Heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player by announcing the news to their fans.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the death of former player George Baldock,” they wrote on X.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with fans, staff and teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him.
“Our sincere condolences from everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George's family and friends.”
Before his departure, Baldock was a mainstay in English football and also played 12 times for Greece
Former teammates and friends including Ben Chilwell also paid tribute to the player.
The Blues defender played with Baldock during their time at MK Dons and wrote on Instagram: “From hitting the crossbar together when we were younger at MK, to playing each other in the Premier League. My heart is broken. Rest in peace, buddy.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender, simply posting “RIP” along with a broken heart emoji. Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters wrote: Terrible news. RIP George. '
Former Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media to comment on X: “RIP. Legend of blades!!!
