British-born Greece defender George Baldock dies aged 31

British-born Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock, who spent seven seasons at Sheffield United, has been discovered lifeless in his Athens dwelling. He was 31.

Police mentioned Baldock’s physique was discovered late Wednesday in his swimming pool within the southern suburb of Glyfada. The reason for demise was not instantly clear.

Police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou mentioned there is no such thing as a preliminary indication the demise was suspicious.

She informed The Related Press on Thursday that the coroner who examined the physique “knowledgeable us that there is no such thing as a proof of a legal act.”

She added: “The home too was searched by the legal investigations directorate. It does not appear {that a} legal act occurred however the investigation is constant for any eventuality.”

ERT tv mentioned the coroner decided drowning as the reason for demise, however Dimoglidou was not instantly capable of affirm that.

Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old former Premier League participant however couldn’t revive him, a police official mentioned.

The time of demise was recorded as 10 p.m. native time (7 p.m. GMT).

“We will affirm that George has sadly handed away,” a reported household assertion learn. “As a household we’re in shock at this horrible loss.”

Baldock, who was of Greek ancestry and was capped 12 instances for the nation, joined Panathinaikos in Might from Sheffield United after the English aspect had been relegated from the highest flight.

Sheffield United mentioned in an announcement: “The defender left the membership in the summertime after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extraordinarily standard with supporters, workers and teammates who pulled on a crimson and white shirt alongside him.

“The honest condolences of everybody related to Sheffield United are prolonged to George’s household and buddies.”

He additionally performed for decrease league sides MK Dons and Oxford United.

Baldock made 4 appearances for Panathinaikos, together with a 0-0 draw with native rivals Olympiakos final weekend, however had not been chosen for Greece’s Nations League squad for a recreation towards England at Wembley on Thursday.

“With deep disappointment and ache, the nationwide workforce and the Hellenic Soccer Federation say goodbye to George Baldock,” the Greek workforce mentioned on Fb.

“There aren’t any phrases to explain the human ache brought on by the information of the premature lack of certainly one of our younger individuals. The second requires silence. Condolences to his household. Condolences from his second household. Goodbye.”

England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United participant, posted {a photograph} of Baldock on Instagram with a damaged coronary heart emoji. Different former teammates, together with goalkepeer Dean Henderson, have additionally paid tribute to Baldock.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin additionally despatched his condolences.

Info from The Related Press and Reuters contributed to this report.