George Baldock found dead in pool after wife back in England raised the alarm

George Baldock was found dead in a swimming pool by the owner of his Greek villa after his wife was unable to contact him, according to local reports.

It was confirmed on Wednesday night that the former defender . Emergency services were called to the scene, with a doctor part of the response unit confirming his death.

Baldock, who was a international, moved to Panathinaikos in the summer and was living in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.

He was reportedly found in the communal pool after the owner of his villa searched the property. The response unit believe he was in the water for several hours, according to images they had seen.

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Baldock's heartbroken family expressed their "shock" at the devastating news of his sudden passing on Wednesday night. A statement read: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time."

"We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George," Panathinaikos added: "The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock."

His former club, Sheffield United, also paid tribute following the desperately sad news. They wrote: "Sheffield United 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."

Baldock won 12 caps for after qualifying to represent them through his grandmother. He played in all five of England's top divisions for the likes of the Blades, and MK Dons. He featured for Panathinaikos on Sunday in their match with Olympiacos.

Greece play England in a Nations League fixture at Wembley on Thursday night. Baldock had not been selected in the most recent squad due to injury, but the Greek Football Federation have requested for black armbands to be worn in his memory.

They also released a statement expressing their sorrow at his death and sent condolences to Baldock's family. The statement read: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.

"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."

England also penned a statement on the eve of the match, which read: "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."

Other prominent figures from the of football also paid their respects to Baldock on social media. His former Sheffield United team-mate was among the first to react; the England star posted a picture of Baldock with a broken heart emoji and "RIP."

A statement from the Greek Super League read: "The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Baldock started his career at MK Dons, who penned a touching tribute to him alongside a message of support to his older brother, Sam, who also played for the club.

"We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock," the club wrote.

"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 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."