George Baldock’s body is expected to be flown back to the UK this weekend following the former Premier League’s star’s shock death on Wednesday.
The former Sheffield United defender, 31, was found dead in the communal pool of his villa in Greece after drowning – shortly before he was due to fly back to England for his son’s first birthday.
Baldock made over 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons with Sheffield United until this summer, winning two promotions with the Blades.
He then traded England for Greece, signing up with Panathinaikos, and made four appearances with them.
According to the Sun, Baldock’s body is expected to be flown home this weekened.
George Baldock’s body will reportedly be flown home this weekend following his death at 31
The scene where former Sheffield United defender Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
Baldock was living in this property in the Greek capital after a move to club giant Panathinaikos
‘If the paperwork is ready, the repatriation can take place… that means by this weekend,’ a source in Greece told The Sun.
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England and Greece pay emotional tribute to George Baldock after he ‘drowned’ in pool aged 31
Police in Athens have told MailOnline that have already ruled out any criminal activity – including any burglary – related to his sudden death at the age of 31.
An autopsy confirmed he had drowned but toxicology reports would take at least a week to come back.
Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone.
Police investigating the drowning of the 31-year-old have recovered CCTV showing him swimming in the pool at his Greek luxury apartment, as sources say it shows him swimming vigorously, before suddenly stopping and then sinking.
The CCTV from a neighbouring property captures half the pool and shows him entering the water at about 6.45 on Wednesday evening, hours before his body was found.
Baldock’s family released a statement today, revealing the footballer was due to fly home to celebrate his son’s first birthday, but how they now ‘mourn his loss’.
Annabel Dignam, who is mother to the couple’s year old son Brody, shared the message with her followers on Instagram along with a picture of them
Baldock waves farewell to the fans ahead of the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane in May before his move to Greece
The footballer moved to Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer and was found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday
Paying tribute, they said ‘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’.
The family went on to say ‘it was impossible not to love him’, as they asked members of the public for privacy at this ‘devastating time’.
Annabel Dignam, who is mother to the couple’s year old son Brody, shared the message with her followers on Instagram alongside a picture of them.
She said: ‘George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect Dad to our beautiful boy.
‘You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours. You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.
‘My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.
‘I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X’
England and Greece spent time remembering Baldock ahead of their match at Wembley
Players observed a minute’s silence to remember Baldock ahead of their Nations League tie
Greece’s stars had taken a photo with a Baldock shirt ahead of kick-off as they paid tribute
Greece goalscorer Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his opening goal to George Baldock
His team-mates held aloft a white shirt bearing Baldock’s name after the defender died aged 31
Pavlidis gestured to his armband after scoring the second goal to win the match at Wembley
England and Greece paid an emotional tribute to Baldock ahead of their Nations League match at Wembley on Thursday night.
Players from both teams observed a minute’s silence before the match at Wembley.
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.
Greece forward Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his opening goal in their shock 2-1 win over the Three Lions to Baldock.
The striker pointed to the sky and held his black armband aloft in tribute to Baldock after putting Greece 1-0 up in the 49th minute at Wembley.
His team-mates also ran over and held a white shirt with Baldock’s name in the air to commemorate the 31-year-old after his tragic death.
Pavlidis said: ‘It was a really special day for us because of George. We are people and it’s a special night because of him.
A heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans
And 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’
England football’s official account said they were ‘extremely saddened’ after hearing the news
‘[We have thought about Baldock] a lot since we heard it yesterday. A difficult moment for us because George was part of the team. Special guy.
‘We have to play for him and it doesn’t matter the score today. We gave everything for him.’
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.’
Sheffield United posted on X: ‘Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,’ they posted on X.
‘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.’
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’.
Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell paid tribute to Baldock, who he played with during their time together at MK Dons
England defender Harry Maguire was among the first to react, writing ‘RIP’ on Instagram
Tributes are laid for ex-Sheffield United player George Baldock outside the club’s Bramall Lane stadium
George was known as ‘Starman’ by supporters who sung an ode to him at matches to the tune of the David Bowie hit
Flowers and shirts were hung in his memory – he spent seven years with the Blades
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.’
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.