Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died aged 31 | Sheffield United

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died aged 31, the Greek Super League has announced. Police said his body was found in a swimming pool at his home in Athens on Wednesday.

The cause of death remains unknown. Police attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Baldock but were unable to revive him and emergency medical units confirmed his death, a police official said.

Greece international Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and made his debut in August. The full-back, who was not named in Greece's squad for Thursday's game against England, featured in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Olympiakos.

A statement from Super League Greece said: “The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sadness at the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our international George Baldock and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The Blades paid tribute to their “extremely popular” former player. “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the death of former player George Baldock,” the club said in a statement. “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 sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”

England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji alongside a picture of Baldock on Instagram.

Northampton, where Baldock was on loan in 2011, wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened by the death of former Sheffield United loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31. We send our sincere condolences to George’s family and friends.”