Heartbroken Ben Chilwell pays tribute to George Baldock following his tragic death aged 31 after partying with the former Premier League star when they were younger – as his family expressed their shock at “their terrible loss”. .

Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell has paid tribute to his former teammate George Baldock, who tragically died aged 31, as his family say they are “in shock” following his untimely death.

The former Premier League defender, who played for Greek club Panathinaikos in Athens, was discovered after his wife was unable to contact him for several hours at home in England, local newspapers report.

The owner of his luxury property was reportedly contacted and apparently found him in the pool. Emergency services were called and arrived within nine minutes, but he could not be revived.

Baldock moved to Panathinaikos this summer after playing seven seasons for Sheffield United and winning two promotions to the English top flight.

Former teammates and friends, including Chilwell, have paid tribute to the footballer. The Blues defender played with Baldock during his time at MK Dons. He wrote on Instagram: “From socializing in the bars when we were younger in MK, to playing for each other in the Premier League. “I’m heartbroken. Rest in peace, buddy.’

Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell paid tribute to Baldock, who he played with during their time together at MK Dons

Chilwell and Baldock played together at MK Dons before facing each other in the Premier League

In a statement, his family asked for privacy at this sad time and said they were in shock following Baldock’s death.

“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. “As a family we are shocked at this terrible loss. “We ask that the media please respect our privacy at this time,” the statement read.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender by simply posting “RIP” alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters wrote; Terrible news. RIP George.

Former Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media and commented on X: “RIP. Blades legend!!!’

On Thursday, the Premier League said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the footballer’s death.

“The Premier League is deeply saddened by the death of former Sheffield United defender George Baldock.” Read a post from the league’s official X account. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Baldock would probably have played for his country against England at Wembley this evening but was currently injured. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played twelve times for Greece after qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother.

Greece have confirmed they will wear black armbands for the Nations League game at 7.45pm.

He started his career with MK Dons and played in all five of England’s top divisions.

Baldock lived in this property in the Greek capital after moving to club giants Panathinaikos

The scene where former Sheffield United defender George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece

England defender Harry Maguire was one of the first to react, writing “RIP” on Instagram

Baldock waves goodbye to fans before the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane

Heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans.

“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the death of former player George Baldock,” they wrote on X.

“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff and team-mates who wore a red and white jersey alongside him.”

“The sincerest condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”

Baldock’s wife reportedly tried to contact him for several hours without a response before contacting the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.

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

Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson called Baldock a “Blades legend” in his tribute to his old team-mate.

Heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans

According to the photos taken by the task force, he was said to have been in the water for several hours before he was found.

Northampton Town, where he played five games on loan, wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.”

“We send our sincere condolences to George’s family and friends.”

Panathinaikos appears to have blacked out its logo on its social media as a subtle tribute.

And his boyhood club, MK Dons, said in an emotional post he was “devastated” to hear the news and said he would “always be one of us”.

They said: “We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn of the shocking news from former academy graduate and MK Dons player George Baldock.”

“George began his career at Stadium MK, where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior debut at the club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years.”

The 31-year-old played twelve games for Greece after qualifying for the Greek national team through his grandmother

“Everyone associated with MK Dons feels great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family and we would like to extend our sincere condolences at this terrible time.”

“You’ll always be one of us, George.”