'I love you' - Ex Spurs and Everton man pens emotional tribute to close friend George Baldock

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton midfielder Dele Alli has paid tribute to George Baldock following his tragic death in Greece on Wednesday evening.

The ex Sheffield United defender was found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, Athens at 22:30 local time October 9. The BBC reports that police tried to resuscitate Baldock at the scene but he could not be revived and medical emergency units confirmed his death.

The 31-year-old joined Greek side Panathinaikos this summer following the expiry of his contract at Bramall Lane. Baldock had spent seven years at Sheffield United, winning promotion to the Premier League twice with the Blades.

A family statement read: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss."

Dele Alli pays tribute to ‘my brother’ after Baldock passing

Tributes to the player have been pouring in from across the footballing world today and former Tottenham Hotspur man Dele Alli took to social media platform Instagram to share his condolences. Both Alli and Baldock came through the youth system at MK Dons and were close friends from a young age.

Sharing a post made by Baldock in August 2020 of the two players, on what appears to be a holiday together, Alli wrote: "I love you! Rest in peace, my brother."

In a statement, Baldock's club Panathinaikos said: "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."

Given their links with the player, Sheffield United also issued a statement following the tragic news on Wednesday. The Blades said: "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. The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends."

Baldock, who was a Greek international, had made four appearances for Panathinaikos since joining and played in the 0-0 draw with Olympiakos on Sunday. The defender played 12 times for Greece but was not in the nation's squad to play England on Thursday night.

Greek national team ‘sadness and sorrow’

The Greece national team said: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation 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 own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."