England and Greece pay emotional tribute to George Baldock after death
by Luke Power · Mail OnlineEngland and Greece paid tribute to George Baldock ahead of their UEFA Nations League match after he died aged 31 on Wednesday.
Players from both teams observed a minute's silence before the match at Wembley after the former Sheffield United defender was found dead in the communal pool of his villa in Greece.
A shirt with Baldock's name was held up by the Greek national team as part of the touching tribute before kick-off.
England substitute goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who played with Baldock at Sheffield United, stood on the touchline as he paid his respects during the minute's silence.
Baldock was born in Buckinghamshire and played more than 400 times in English football but earned 12 caps for Greece after qualifying through his grandmother.
He left Sheffield United this summer after seven seasons and joined Greek club Panathinaikos, taking up residence in the luxury suburb of Glyfada, south of Athens.
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Athens broadsheet Kathimerini claims that a post-mortem examination was completed in the Greek capital today and 'drowning in water' has been given as the cause of death by the medical examiner.
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George Baldock dead: Ben Chilwell leads tributes to former teammate after his tragic passing aged 31 - as his family state their shock at 'their terrible loss'
Toxicology tests taken during the autopsy - including whether alcohol was present in his system when he died - will take 'several days' to come back. Police have already ruled out any criminal activity.
Both sets of teams are wearing black armbands tonight to pay tribute to Baldock, who had been left out of Greece's squad due to injury.
The Hellenic Football Federation said: 'With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock.
'There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence.
'Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye'.
Panathinaikos also paid tribute, writing: 'We are overwhelmed, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand by the family and relatives of George Baldock.'
England international Ben Chilwell, who played with Baldock at MK Dons, penned a heartfelt tribute. 'From hitting the bars together when we were younger in MK, to playing each other in the Premier League. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate,' he wrote on Instagram.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender, simply posting 'RIP', alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton fullback Kyle Walker-Peters wrote: 'Horrible news. RIP George.'
There were also tributes from his former clubs in England as well as the FA.
Baldock's wife reportedly tried to contact him for several hours without a response, before she got in touch with the owner of his villa.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the communal pool and called the emergency services.
He was reportedly in the water for several hours before he was found, according to images seen by the response unit.
His boyhood club, MK Dons, said they were 'devastated' to hear the news, in an emotional post as they said he 'will always be one of our own'.
They said: 'We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock.
'George started his career at Stadium MK, where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior career debut at the Club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years.
'Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times.
'You will always be one of our own, George.'
Also responding to the news, England football's official account said they were 'extremely saddened'.
They continued: 'We're extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.
'George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night. We're thinking of George's family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.'