Ex Rangers star 'lost for words' after death of former Sheffield United teammate as emotional tribute paid

Former Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has paid a heartfelt tribute to former Sheffield United teammate and close friend George Baldock in the wake of the player's tragic death at the age of 31.

Baldock, who left Bramall Lane in the summer after seven years at the Yorkshire club to join Panathinaikos - was found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday night. It has since been determined that the cause of his death was drowning.

His body was discovered at his home in Athens after his partner, who was in England, raised alarm after being unable to contact her husband. Heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam has since described him as her “soulmate” and “the perfect dad”.

And ex-Gers stopper Foderingham - who played alongside Baldock for four seasons at the Blades - formed a close friendship with the defender, clinching promotion from the English Championship and starring in the Premier League together.

Both players departed the club this summer with Foderingham heading for West Ham United and Baldock moving to Greece. And the 33-year-old says he will cherish their memories together in an emotional Instagram post.

Posting an image of Baldock lifting him up into the air after a win, Foderingham wrote: “I’m lost for words and can’t get my head around you being gone. An incredible teammate and a great friend, all the memories we have shared together I will cherish forever. I pray that your family finds the all the strength in the world to help them through this pain. Till we meet again.”

Baldock’s devastated family also paid tribute to him after learning his cause of death. A statement read: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate 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.”

An Investigation into Baldock's sudden passing is underway, with Greek police confirming there was no evidence of criminal activity. A statement from the country’s Ministry of Citizen Protection 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.”

Baldock won 12 caps for Greece, whom he was eligible to represent through his grandmother. He was first called up in 2022 when Gus Poyet was head coach and was last involved in their squad for the Euro 2024 play-off defeat to Georgia.

There was a moment of silence held before Thursday night’s Nations League clash between England and Greece at Wembley, with the player’s picture displayed on the big screens. Players of both sides wore black armbands in respect and the Greece national team held up his shirt after they scored their opening goal in the shock 2-1 win.