George Baldock’s heartbreaking farewell message to Sheffield United fans resurfaces after the defender is found dead in a swimming pool in Greece aged 31

George Baldock’s moving farewell message to Sheffield United fans as he left the club this summer has resurfaced following his death at the age of 31.

The football world was shocked on Wednesday evening when reports in Greece claimed he had been found dead in a swimming pool in a suburban Athenian villa.

Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos this summer after playing for the Blades for seven seasons and winning promotion to the Premier League twice.

At Bramall Lane he became popular for his thoroughbred style and was even described by some as ‘Furious George’, who gave everything for the shirt.

Baldock filmed a video with Sheffield United when he left and it begins: ‘To all the Sheffield United fans, it’s a huge thank you from me.

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has reportedly died in Greece aged 31

The footballer moved to Greek club Panathinaikos this summer and was found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday evening

Baldock was a mainstay of English football before he left, also making 12 appearances for Greece

“You’ve been absolutely wonderful. Your support was so much more than I ever expected. Like I said, you’re the best there is.

‘Continue to support the team and staff and hopefully the club can get back to where we all want to be.

‘I leave here as a big fan of the club. Good luck and thank you.’

Greek media such as Sport24 and SDNA claim that his wife had tried to contact him for hours on Wednesday without response.

She eventually contacted the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens, who went to the property and found him in the pool.

Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played twelve times for Greece. He started his career with MK Dons and played in all of England’s top five divisions.

After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the communal swimming pool and called emergency services.

According to footage from the response unit, he was reportedly in the water for several hours before being found.

Baldock, 31, started a new life in Greece before he passed away

Police guard the area outside the home of British-born Panathinaikos and Greek defender Baldock, where he was found dead, in the Athens suburb of Glyfada

The defender was nicknamed ‘Furious George’ because of his aggressive style

Sheffield United posted on

‘The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with supporters, staff and teammates who donned a red and white shirt alongside him.

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

His boyhood club, MK Dons, said they were ‘devastated’ when they heard the news, in an emotional post saying he will ‘always be one of our own’.

They said: ‘We are deeply devastated and saddened by the shocking news from 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 with the Club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years.

“Everyone associated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincere condolences at these terrible times.

“You’ll always be one of us, George.”

After his wife was unable to contact him, the villa owner searched the property and found him in the pool

Baldock played seven years in the Premier League and Championship with Sheffield United

Reacting to the news, English Football’s official account said they were ‘extremely saddened’ to hear the news.

They continued: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Baldock.

“George was close to many of our players and represented Greece, our opponents, on Thursday evening. We are thinking of George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country at this difficult time.”

The English Football League added that he has made a ‘lasting impact’, with his time at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Northampton Town and MK Dons.

The Greek Super League further shared their ‘deepest condolences’ following the news.

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’ when they heard the news, in an emotional post saying he will ‘always be one of our own’

They said: ‘The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow at the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.’

Baldock was a long-time mainstay of English football, making 219 appearances at Sheffield United alone.