One of George Baldock's team-mates at his final club, Panathinaikos, has revealed that he's been struggling to sleep following the footballer's tragic death.
, with his body being found in a swimming pool at his home in . The former defender, who spent seven years at Bramall Lane, three of which came in the , signed for Greek giants Panathinaikos this summer.
Despite being born in Buckingham, Baldock played for at international level, qualifying through his grandmother. The cause of his death was and police have found no evidence of criminal involvement.
Baldock was a popular figure in the Panathinaikos dressing room and his untimely death has deeply affected team-mate Erik Palmer-Brown. In an emotional interview with , Palmer-Brown revealed that even getting to sleep has been an issue since the 31-year-old passed away.
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"It was one of the darkest days of my life," the American defender said. "I don't see myself just moving on and playing football happily ever again. I've never felt like this before."
Baldock's ex-Sheffield United team-mate, Oli McBurnie, has also been struggling. "George loved his missus and his little boy so much. They're the people in this that I really feel sorry for," McBurnie said.
"I know how hard it's been for me and some of the other boys who love him, but little Brody is going to grow up and never know what a top man his dad was. Me and the boys have said that it's our duty to be part of his life and try to remind him at every opportunity how much of an amazing person his dad was."
Baldock's family issued a statement the following day. "We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George," they said. "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," a statement from Baldock's family read.
"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.
"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."
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