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Tributes were left outside Sheffield United's ground Bramall Lane for former defender George Baldock after the 31-year-old was found to have drowned while swimming in the pool at his home in Athens. Greek police earlier confirmed there was no evidence that criminal activity caused the death of the 31-year-old Greece international, who signed for Athens club Panathinaikos in the summer. “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens,” a statement from Baldock’s family read. “George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate 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. “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.” Baldock – who left the Blades in the summer to join Panathinaikos – won 12 caps for Greece, after being eligible to represent them through his grandmother. He was last involved in their squad for the Euro 2024 play-off defeat to Georgia. There was a period of silence before Thursday night’s Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley, which the visitors won 2-1, with Baldock’s picture shown on the big screens. Players of both sides also wore black armbands and the Greece team held up his shirt after they scored their opening goal in the shock Wembley win.
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