George Baldock's heartbroken fiancée releases statement after former Premier League star's tragic death

George Baldock's fiancée has released a statement after the former Sheffield United, MK Dons and Northampton Town defender was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Athens, Greece

The fiancée of former Premier League star George Baldock, who tragically died at his home in Athens has been left heartbroken.

The Greece international, renowned for his time as a full-back with Sheffield United, drowned in his swimming pool on Wednesday and leaves his young son Brody and his fiancée Annabel Dignam.

In the hours following the confirmation of his devastating passing, Annabel took to her private Instagram to express her grief with a touching tribute accompanied by a photograph of the two sharing a joyful moment. She wrote: "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."

In the wake of the family's loss, George's loved ones also issued a statement filled with remembrance and affection: "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.", reports the Mirror.

"You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss. As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.

"It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief."

Annabel was the first to sound the alarm when she couldn't reach George. Unable to contact him, she requested the owner of the house in Glyfada, Greece, to check on him.

The Greek international transferred to Athens' Panathinkaikos from Sheffield United, qualifying for the Greek national team through his grandmother. Tragically, he was discovered at the bottom of the pool by his landlord, who had jumped over the fence to access the property.

George, dressed in swimming trunks, was pulled from the water by emergency services. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive him.

Forensic scientists who performed the autopsy on Baldock at Athens' University Hospital on Thursday say he had been dead for five hours before being found. Preliminary autopsy results suggest "microscopically foamy microbubbles" on the footballer's body, indicating drowning as the likely cause of death.

Police have said however that it would be "several weeks, if not months" before full autopsy and toxicology results were released. It has been reported that a half empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool, leading police to investigate if another person was present at the time.

Despite this, officials have since ruled out any criminal activity in his death. Another person to have paid tribute to George is Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece.

The second child and eldest son of the last king of Greece, Constantine II, and Queen Anne-Marie posted on his Instagram story with a picture of the footballer saying 'RIP George Baldock'. Sheffield United have shared a number of posts paying tribute to George.

In one they wrote that were "shocked and extremely saddened" to hear of his death. On X they wrote: 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 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."

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