George Baldock's fiancee shares heartfelt tribute after death

The Greece international was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool at his home in Athens on Wednesday.

George Baldock's heartbroken fiancee has paid an emotional tribute to her "soulmate" just hours after the tragic news of the ex-Premier League player's passing was made public.

The former Sheffield United defender, who spent time playing for Tamworth, was discovered at his Athens residence on Wednesday, having tragically drowned in his swimming pool. He leaves behind his young son Brody and fiancee Annabel Dignam, who spoke out shortly after his death was confirmed.

Posting a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the couple beaming with joy on her private Instagram, she penned: "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."

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This touching statement follows an earlier tribute from George's family, who expressed that he "brought so much love". They shared: "You were the most special father, fiancee, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.", reports the Mirror.

"Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were lucky enough to meet you and to those who admired you from afar. We will hold onto the precious memories we have of you forever, and you will live on through your wonderful 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."

Annabel, who was anxiously awaiting George's return, raised the alarm after unexpectedly losing contact with him. Her concern deepened when she couldn't reach him, leading her to request a check on his wellbeing from the Glyfada house owner.

The Greek national side player had moved to Panathinaikos in Athens from Sheffield United, after securing his place on Greece's national team through his grandmother's lineage. In what turned out to be a dreadful discovery, the landlord found George lifeless at the bottom of the swimming pool, having scaled the fence to get into the villa.

Dressed in swimwear, George was retrieved from the water by the responding emergency teams; tragically, though, they were unable to resuscitate him.

Athens' University Hospital forensic experts, after conducting an autopsy on Baldock, posited he'd been deceased for around five hours prior to being found. They pointed to "microscopically foamy microbubbles on the footballer's bodya sign consistent with drowningas the probable cause of his untimely death, according to initial findings reported on Thursday this week.

Police have indicated that it could take "several weeks, if not months" before the full autopsy and toxicology results are made available. Reports have surfaced of a half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses discovered beside the pool, prompting an investigation into whether another individual was with him at the time.

Nevertheless, authorities have now dismissed any suspicion of foul play in his passing.

Tributes have poured in for George, including from Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece. The prince, who is the second child and eldest son of former King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie, took to Instagram to share a photo of the footballer along with the caption 'RIP George Baldock'.

Sheffield United has also expressed their profound sorrow over George's death. The club released a statement saying they were "shocked and extremely saddened" by the news.

On X, they posted: "Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock. The defender, who departed the club last summer after a seven-year stint at Bramall Lane, was immensely popular among fans, staff, and fellow players. The club extends its deepest sympathies to George's family and friends."