George Baldock has died: Former Sheffield United defender found dead aged 31

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died aged 31.

The England-born Greece international was found dead in the swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, southern Athens.

Police attempted to resuscitate Baldock at the scene, but he could not be revived and emergency medical units confirmed his death, Reuters news agency reported, citing a police official.

Baldock moved to Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer after seven years with the Blades.

Sheffield United expressed shock at the news, saying: “The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff and team-mates who wore a red and white shirt alongside him.”

“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”

Baldock had played four games for Panathinaikos and started Sunday's goalless draw with Olympiakos.

He played twelve international matches for Greece, for which he qualified through his grandmother. Greece play England in the Nations League on Thursday, although Baldock was not selected for the game.

The Greek national team said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness and sadness that the national team and the Greek Football Association 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 young men. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences to his second family.”

Baldock started his career with MK Dons in 2009 and played more than 100 times for them.

He had loan spells at several clubs, including Northampton and Oxford United, before moving to Sheffield United in 2017.

He made 219 appearances for the club in all competitions, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and 2023.

Baldock was born in Buckingham but decided to represent Greece in May 2022 when he was called up to the national team for the first time by coach Gus Poyet.

He made his debut for the country the following month in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast.