Jack Grealish the latest to pay tribute to Sheffield United hero George Baldock after shock death

Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish has become the latest football figure to pay tribute to George Baldock after the former Sheffield United player’s untimely death on Wednesday.

Baldock was reportedly found unresponsive in his home in Athens with the family confirming the sad news on Wednesday night. Baldock was 31, years-old.

Since the news broke, the player’s popularity has been proven with tributes flooding in for the full-back who spent seven largely successful seasons at Bramall Lane, winnig two promotions to the Premier League along the way.

Among those to post their thoughts was Grealish, who had become friends with Baldock despite their fierce rivalry on the pitch from the England international’s time at Aston Villa and with Man City.

Grealish said: "RIP George! A great player but more importantly a great guy! Sending all my love to your family and close ones."

England and Man City womens star Alex Greenwood was close to Baldock, with her partner Jack O’Connell and his fellow defender having played alongside each other in a memorable time for the Blades. She posted a personal tribute, saying: “George we are going to miss you so much. The random FaceTime calls, the endless laughs you gave us. An unbelievable person gone too soon."

Former team mate Sander Berge, now at Fulham, said he was heartbroken by the news.

“Absolutely devastated and heartbroken,” he posted. “You were so much more to me than a teammate. From the first moment we met you took care of me like a big brother. I could always rely on you. In good or bad times you were always there for me. You and your family always made me feel home. You are the funniest character I’ve ever met and we could laugh for days together. On and off the pitch, it was always enjoyable with you. All the memories with you will live with me forever. Sending all my love to your family ❤️ Love you GB. RIP."

Blackdock’s death has sent shockwaves through the football world, not least in Sheffield where he took on legendary status for his combative nature in the red and white shirt of United. He left the Blades in the summer to join Panathinaikos in Greece, the country for whom he had won 12 international caps after qualifying through his grandmother.

A statement from Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection released on Thursday read: “A preliminary investigation has been carried out by the Attica Security Directorate.

“A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity. In addition, the police searched the house to determine if there are any traces of a burglary, with a negative result.

“Also, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check at the house in order to exclude the possibility of criminal activity.”

It has also been reported by news outets in Greece that the cause of death was by ‘drowning in water’.

Greece are due to play England tonight at Wembley were further tributes will be played to Baldock by way of a moments’ silence and black armbands are to be worn by both teams.