The fiancee of footballer George Baldock has paid tribute to “the love of my life” following his death this week aged 31.
Former Sheffield United defender Baldock, a Greek international who had been playing for Panathinaikos since the summer, was found dead in a pool at his home in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada on Wednesday, with his family confirming in a statement that he had tragically drowned while swimming.
Baldock had been due to return to England this week to celebrate the first birthday of his son.
Fiancee Annabel Dignam wrote in tribute on social media: "George, the love of my life, my soulmate.
"The perfect Dad to our beautiful boy. You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.
"You are here with me in Brody's smile, giggle and infectious personality. My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise. I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X".
A family statement said: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens.
“George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.
“We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son. You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”
Baldock had recently moved to Greek giants Panathinaikos on a three-year deal as a free agent, making his debut in August after seven years with Sheffield United, including three in the Premier League.
In a statement, Sheffield United said: “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 teammates 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.”
The post has since been retweeted by the national side, with the official England account adding: "We're extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.
"George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night.
"We're thinking of George's family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time."
Baldock was born in Buckinghamshire and began his career with MK Dons, spending time on loan with the likes of Northampton and Oxford. He signed for Sheffield United in 2017 and was a key member of the team which won promotion to the Premier League in both 2019 and 2023.
A Football Association (FA) statement said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country.”
Baldock played for Greece 12 times, having qualified for the country through his grandmother. Police in Greece said there was no suspicion of criminal activity in connection with his death.
Tributes were paid to Baldock - who had not been named in the latest Greece squad for this international break - before Thursday night’s Nations League game between England and Greece at Wembley, with both sets of players wearing black armbands and holding a minute’s silence in his memory before kick-off.
Vangelis Pavlidis held his armband aloft after scoring the first goal in Greece’s famous and emotional 2-1 victory in London, while the Greek players also held up a shirt with Baldock’s name on the back before several of them paid tribute to their former team-mate after the game.
