England’s clash with Greece in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley on Thursday night is overshadowed by a profound tragedy, as players from both sides wear black armbands in memory of George Baldock, the former Premier League star who passed away unexpectedly.
Baldock, who had recently transferred from Sheffield United to Panathinaikos, was found dead in the swimming pool at his villa in Athens on Wednesday night. His wife raised the alarm after she was unable to reach him from their home in England. Tragically, he is believed to have been deceased for several hours before being discovered by the villa’s owner.
A statement from Baldock’s family confirmed the devastating news, expressing their shock at the loss: “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.” The 31-year-old had earned 12 caps for Greece and was absent from the squad for the match against England due to an injury.
Despite Greece’s request to postpone the match, UEFA declined, instead allowing for a minute’s silence and the wearing of armbands in tribute to Baldock. The Greek team will also don black armbands during their upcoming fixture against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Authorities in Greece are investigating the circumstances surrounding Baldock’s death. A spokesman for the Hellenic Police stated, “A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity. The police searched the house to determine if there were any signs of a burglary, which yielded negative results.” Investigators are also looking into whether another person was present when Baldock died.
Ahead of the match, Baldock’s teammates released a heartfelt statement: “It is impossible to believe that our dear friend and teammate, George, is no longer with us. Our pain is indescribable. Tonight, we will try to reach the strength of his soul, which is a bright example for us all. Our thoughts are with his family. We will never forget you, friend.”
The Greek Football Association added, “There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the unexpected loss of one of our own, a young man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”
In a subsequent family statement on Thursday night, they revealed the results of a post-mortem examination: “We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that George tragically drowned while swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens.
“George, 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 fortunate enough to know you and to those who 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 very difficult to read the huge number of tributes from those who knew George and from those whose lives 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.”
In a show of support, fans of Sheffield United, Baldock’s former club, paid their respects by laying flowers and shirts bearing his name outside Bramall Lane stadium on Thursday.
