George Baldock has been found dead at the age of 31 after leaving Sheffield United in the summer to join Greek side Panathinaikos.
Dele Alli has shared a touching tribute on Instagram following the tragic passing of his friend and former teammate George Baldock.
The world of football was left in shock after the ex-Sheffield United defender was tragically found deceased in a swimming pool at his villa in Greece, with the sad news emerging on Wednesday evening. The owner of the property discovered him following concerns raised by his wife who couldn’t reach him.
Despite leaving the UK for Panathinaikos last summer, Baldock’s life was cut sadly short at the age of 31.
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Having started their footballing journeys together at MK Dons, Dele and Baldock both took divergent career paths but remained close. Dele, who continues to train with Everton, took to social media to express his sadness, sharing an emotional message next to an old Instagram post that included Baldock: “I love you. Rest in peace my brother”.
Reminiscing on their long-standing friendship, both Alli and Baldock’s Instagrams often featured snapshots of the pair over the years. They were known to train together during the off-season and remained friends even as their professional lives led them across borders, reports the Mirror.
Dele joins a list of footballers mourning the loss of the former top-flight star and Greek international. Tributes also came from Harry Maguire, a past Sheffield United colleague, while Kyle Walker-Peters, another close friend, offered his condolences through a personal homage.
Panathinaikos also shared their sorrow: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
Sheffield United, where Baldock played before moving to Greece, posted: “Sheffield United Football 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.”