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      England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31

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      ENGLAND and Greece stars have come together in an emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to the late George Baldock.The former Sheffield United star, 31, died earlier this week after being found to have drowned in his swimming pool at his home in Athens.Former Premier League star George Baldock died at the age of 31 earlier this weekCredit: RexEngoland and Greece stars paid tribute to the defenderGreece requested both teams wear black armband to commemorate his tragic deathGreece stars held up a shirt of Baldock before the matchCredit: AFPBaldock was a 12-time Greek internationalCredit: APMany England stars had played against Baldock in Premier LeagueDean Henderson had played alongside him at Bramall LaneGreek media report Baldock was found by the owner of the property after his concerned wife raised the alarm when she was unable to contact him.He was later found dead, with an initial autopsy confirming he had drowned.Baldock played against and alongside some of the England stars during his time at Sheffield United.Dean Henderson, named on the bench for the Three Lions tonight, starred alongside Baldock at Bramall Lane.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe had been a Blades star from 2017 before leaving for Athens outfit Panathinaikos this summer.England and Greece stars held a minutes silence ahead of their Nations League clash tonight.Pundits on ITV paid tribute Baldock ahead of the game on live TV.Ian Wright said: “Terrible news, shocking news. You cannot help but think about his friends and family, I spoke to Karl Robinson [former MK Dons manager] last night who was devastated.Most read in Football”He was hard-working and strong minded, You always thought, the way he applied himself, he was always going to get to where he wanted to go in the Premier League.”I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31The Arsenal and England legend worked alongside Baldock during a coaching stint MK Dons, where the British-born Greece international graduated through the academy.Manchester United and Republic of Ireland icon Roy Keane added: “They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had huge energy and was always up for a battle. “The players will react, be professional and go and put on a performance for him.”Baldock’s family are said to have been left “shocked” by the tragic news.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.A family statement released on Wednesday night said: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. “As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time.”Greece asked for permission from Uefa for both teams to wear black armbands for the Wembley clash.Baldock has last played for Greece in March, and had only starred for his club last Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESTribute was also paid to Lord Herman Ouseley, who died last week at the age of 79. He was a key figure in battling racism in football with the foundation of Kick It Out.Roy Keane and Ian Wright also paid tribute to BaldockCredit: AlamyA tribute to Lord Herman Ouseley following his tragic death at the age of 79Credit: PA More

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      Unique feature of Lee Carsley’s England squad not seen for 48 years is more egg on the face of Erik ten Hag

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      LEE CARSLEY is already putting his stamp on the England set-up with his latest squad possessing a unique feat not seen in 48 years.The Three Lions caretaker boss recently named his second squad since taking the reins from Gareth Southgate.Lee Carsley has named his latest England sideCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side have had a shocking start to the seasonCredit: GettyCarsley’s tenure began with comfortable 2-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland last month.This week he takes on Greece at Wembley before facing Finland again on Sunday.And for the first time since 1976, England will go into those games with no Manchester United players in their squad.For nearly half a century, at least one Man Utd star has been involved in the England set-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor much of that time there have been several, particularly in the 1990s era of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.In recent years, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have all been regular features.While homegrown hero Kobbie Mainoo played at Euro 2024.None of them, however, are available to Carsley against Greece tonight.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMainoo, 19, was initially named in the squad – before pulling out with injury.Maguire, meanwhile, has also suffered with a recent injury, coming off at half time against Aston Villa last weekend.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team Forward Rashford was available to Carsley but was again not called up.Having missed out on Euro 2024, Rashford has not played in any of England’s last 12 games dating back to March.Youth development has always been a key hallmark of Man Utd’s success.In fact, they possess the astonishing record of having named at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad for the last 86 years, spanning more than 4,000 matches.Ironically, two Man Utd academy graduates have been named on Carsley’s bench for tonight’s game against Greece – with neither still members of Erik ten Hag’s squad.Angel Gomes, who earned his first caps last month, left United in 2020 and has since excelled in France with Lille.Dean Henderson, meanwhile, is England’s back-up goalkeeper this evening having earned No1 status at Crystal Palace.Angel Gomes is on the bench for England at Wembley tonightCredit: Getty More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped for shock Wrexham transfer as Hollywood owners told ‘I’ve spoken to many former team-mates’

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      SURELY Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the Racecourse with Wrexham is a step too far – no matter how Hollywood they have become.But William Gallas believes that the move is “possible”.Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to make the blockbuster transfer to WrexhamCredit: ReutersWrexham are on the way up and they bid for a third consecutive promotionWrexham have been on a remarkable rise back up the football pyramid since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership of the club in November 2020.The American A-lister millionaires have regularly stated that their aim, however hopeful, is to get Wrexham playing in the Premier League.The Welsh club sit second in League One after securing back-to-back promotions.Despite that, the idea of Ronaldo signing for Wrexham does seem far-fetched.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut former Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea defender Gallas can see the potential move happening in the not-so-distant future.Gallas told Prime Casino: “Cristiano Ronaldo to Wrexham? Anything is possible in football in the modern game.”It wouldn’t surprise me because money talks and we’ve seen that nothing is impossible these days.“You see young players going to Saudi Arabia when they would have never left Europe in the past.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Footballers and football clubs are now obsessed with their brands too and their sponsors… you can make a lot of money and not just from your wages at your club.“Now everything is about social media and having millions of followers, and both Wrexham and Ronaldo have huge profiles so why not.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash“I have spoken to my former team-mates about social media and everything that goes on now and it feels like a different world. So many things are now possible.“Ronaldo is more than just a footballer, he’s a product and he’s also still scoring so many goals on the pitch.”There will be so many clubs still happy to have him.”But despite leaving many EFL sides envious of their near £2million spent in the summer window, Wrexham could never match Ronaldo’s wages.George Evans’ £7,200 weekly wage makes him Wrexham’s highest paid star, while Ronaldo takes home £3.4m every week.The former Manchester United forward, 39, is currently plying his trade at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo’s contract is set to expire in 2025. That has raised speculation around his future but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner told pal Rio Ferdinand that he wants to play football until he’s at least 41 years old. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘looks like a beast’ as forgotten star appears ripped in boxing training 502 days since last appearance

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon Tyrell Malacia “looks like a beast” after spotting the injured full-back looking ripped in a boxing video.Malacia, 25, has not played football for 15 MONTHS after undergoing knee surgery in the summer of 2023.Tyrell Malacia has been working out through boxingCredit: https://x.com/TenHagBall_A video has circulated on social media showing Malacia looking sharpCredit: https://x.com/TenHagBall_Tyrell Malacia returned to Manchester United training last month after not featuring at all last seasonCredit: GettyIt’s been 502 days since Malacia’s last competitive appearance.He last put on his boots for Holland in a June 2023 Uefa Nations League match, before he went under the knife a month later.Complications following the surgery meant he was forced to undergo a second procedure that kept him out of action for the 2022-23 season.However, the left-back formally returned to first team training a fortnight ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd his team-mates gave him a heart-warming welcome, slapping him on the head as he ran under a make-shift tunnel of players.But Red Devils fans’ excitement levels reached fever point when Malacia was spotted looking absolutely shredded and in tip-top shape this week.This comes after a video circulated of the former Feyenoord defender throwing hands during an intense boxing physio session.One fan wrote: “Malacia looks like a beast!”Most read in FootballTyrell Malacia looks ready to go nowCredit: https://x.com/TenHagBall_FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA second said: “The team needs him badly. Please tell me this is the end of his time out.”A third wrote: “He’s coming back stronger 💪🏼.”Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s jobAnother added: “Malacia working hard on his road to recovery!”A possible Malacia return would come at an opportune time given United’s left-back crisis.The Red Devils have ONE full-back available for selection – Diogo Dalot, who has been filling in at left-back.Right-back Noussair Mazraoui has been ruled out of action for weeks after undergoing a minor corrective procedure after experiencing heart palpitations. Mazraoui withdrew from the Morocco squad after being replaced by Victor Lindelof at half-time against Aston Villa.He has made 10 appearances this season after joining alongside Matthijs de Ligt in a £60m double transfer from Bayern Munich this summer.Meanwhile Luke Shaw is still battling injury after suffering a fresh calf issue on his first week back for pre-season.READ MORE SUN STORIESShaw has been out since United’s 2-1 win over Luton on February 18 – but fought to make himself fit for England’s final defeat to Spain.Shaw was England’s best starter on the night in Germany, but hasn’t played since. More

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      George Baldock: Greek PFA slam Uefa in damning statement for refusing to postpone England game after star’s tragic death

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      ENGLAND’S match against Greece will go ahead despite Premier League and EFL hero George Baldock’s tragic death.Baldock was found dead at the age of 31 in his home in Athens on Wednesday night, plunging the entire Greek football community into mourning.Greece’s PFA lambasted Uefa’s decision not to postpone the match with England after George Baldock’s deathCredit: APSheffield United legend Baldock was found dead in his home at the age of 31Credit: GettyThe Greek football association [EPO] held talks with Uefa in their bid to reschedule the fixture after their beloved player’s shock passing.However, the football governing body refused to postpone tonight’s Nations League clash due to scheduling conflicts.That led to a furious reaction from Greece’s professional footballers’ association, the Panhellenic Association of Paid [Male] Footballers [and Female] Footballers [PSAPP], who lambasted Uefa.The association didn’t hold back on their criticism with a damning post on social media berating football bosses for disregarding the game’s “human” aspect.Read More on FootballThey even described Uefa’s reasoning behind their decision as a “pretext”.The union also took aim at the “inhumane” schedule, which bloated after the introduction of the controversially repackaged Club World Cup.The 32-team tournament takes place this summer in the US and sparked global outrage, especially from players who even hinted at a strike.PSAPP posted on Facebook: “The game of our National team against England will take place as scheduled despite the Greek federation’s attempt to postpone it, with the pretext of not being able to find an alternative date in an already inhumane – in terms of work – calendar. Most read in Football”Once again those who make the decisions did not have time to think about our internationals. “The need to finally understand that the person should always be placed above all else.”Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeGeorge Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)Uefa confirmed that both sets of players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence at Wembley.The same is set to take place at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday when Greece host the Republic of Ireland.Buckingham-born Baldock switched to Greece in 2022 following a series of stunning performances with Sheffield United, whom he helped achieve two Premier League promotions.The ex-MK Dons star, who qualified through his Greek grandmother, quickly became Ethniki’s starting right-back and earned immense praise after picking up his first caps.The full-back amassed a staggering 125 appearances during an eight-year stint with MK Dons and a whopping 219 with Sheffield United.After seven years with the Blades, the Greece international moved to Panathinaikos last summer, where he played four times.The defender’s last ever game saw him competing against eternal rivals Olympiacos on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium where he helped his team pick up a brave goalless draw.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      ‘I love you,’ says Dele Alli in heartbreaking tribute to George Baldock after former team-mate’s shock death at 31

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      DELE ALLI has shared a heartbreaking tribute to close friend and former team-mate George Baldock.Baldock tragically passed away on Wednesday at his home in Greece.Dele Alli has paid tribute to George BaldockCredit: Instagram @georgebaldockBaldock tragically passed away on WednesdayCredit: RexHe was reportedly found dead in a swimming pool after his wife, who lives in England, shared concerns regarding his whereabouts.Thousands of football fans have since flocked to social media to pay tribute to the former Greek international.Clubs and players have also publicly shared condolences.Former Tottenham star Dele posted his own tribute on Instagram following the news of his friend’s tragic death.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCKSharing a picture of himself and Baldock laughing together, he wrote: “I love you! Rest in peace my brother.”The duo played together at MK Dons and formed a strong friendship.Baldock spent eight years with the Dons after making his first team debut in 2010.Some of his time was spent out on loan to Northampton Town, IBV, Tamworth and Oxford United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe then joined Sheffield United in 2017 and became a fan-favourite, making 219 appearances.The full-back signed for Greek side Panathinaikos this summer.George Baldock cops probe if ANOTHER person was involved in star’s death after finding pool cluesHis last appearance came in a 0-0 draw with Olympiacos on Sunday.The FA will pay tribute to Baldock before tonight’s international match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium.A period of silence will take place prior to kick-off and both teams will wear black armbands. More

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      Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny pledges to continue smoking just days after completing Barcelona transfer

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      WOJCIECH SZCZESNY has vowed not to quit smoking after signing for Barcelona.The former Arsenal goalkeeper, 34, reversed his decision to retire in order to sign for Hansi Flick’s side.Wojciech Szczesny recently came out of retirement to sign for BarcelonaCredit: ReutersThe goalkeeper will not quit smoking after joining BarcaCredit: SplashDespite re-entering high-level professional football, Szczesny is not about to give up smoking.Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There are things that I don’t change in my personal life and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke.”I believe that it doesn’t affect what I do on the pitch, I work twice as hard.”I don’t do it in front of kids because I don’t want to have a bad influence on them.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Sometimes somebody will take a photo from the trees where I have a cigarette, that’s on them, not on me.”If somebody thinks that I will change the way I am in my personal life they can think again because I am who I am. I’ve been this way my whole life.”Szczesny hung up his gloves at the end of last season following seven years at Juventus.But when Barca came calling following the serious injury suffered by their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Szczesny was tempted out of his brief retirement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Pole is yet to debut for his new side, with Inaki Pena having started their last four games between the sticks.Szczesny was famously caught smoking in the showers after Arsenal lost to Southampton in 2015.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsArsene Wenger subsequently fined him £20,000 and dropped him from the squad.The homegrown keeper would never play for the Gunners again, joining Juventus in 2017 after a two-year loan at Roma.In 2020, Szczesny opened up on what happened during an appearance on the Arsenal Nation podcast.He said: “Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well. He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that also.”Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in.”I went in the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room and nobody could see me, and I lit one up.”Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said ‘yes’.”He fined me and that was the end of it. He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’, but there was no big bust-ups or big confrontations.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was very professional about it. I was fully expecting to be back in the team a few weeks later but we had a good run of form and David Ospina, who came in goal, played really well for those few games. He stayed in.”That meant I was waiting and trying to win my place back in the team, or trying to convince him that I was still the best goalkeeper at the club by going out on loan. That sounds strange but sometimes it’s the best way of doing it.”Szczesny left Arsenal for Juventus in 2017Credit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      George Baldock’s life-saving gesture for young fan with heart condition revealed by mum who salutes ‘our Starman’

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      A HEARTBROKEN mum has revealed George Baldock’s incredible impact on her young son. The former Sheffield United star was found dead at his Athens home on Wednesday.Former Sheffield Utd star George Baldock was found dead on WednesdayCredit: RexThe 31-year-old had bought Harvey, a young Blades fan, a defibrillator after learning of his heart conditionCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeHarvey’s mum Marie paid tribute to the ex-Utd star following his tragic passingCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeBaldock was discovered in his communal swimming pool after his concerned wife had struggled to get in touch with him from England.The 31-year-old spent the majority of his career playing with United in the Championship and Premier League. One Blades fan took to social media to highlight Baldock’s remarkable efforts in helping her young son, Harvey.X user Marie revealed Harvey was diagnosed with a faulty heart valve, resulting in his Sunday league team being forced to fundraise for a new defibrillator.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMarie added that Baldock ‘stepped in” and “bought Harvey a defibrillator outright.”Following news of Baldock’s passing, Marie took to social media to pay tribute to the Greek international. She wrote: “[We] thanked him every time we saw him, but feel we haven’t thanked him enough. “George bought Harvey a defib, which helped him continue to play football and the things he enjoys. Most read in Football”He gave us peace of mind as parents on the sideline!”She added with a heartbroken emoji: “Our Starman.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31Marie accompanied the message with snaps of Baldock alongside Harvey, including at last year’s Player of the Year awards. She continued: “Thank you George. I’m saying it again! You always replied, ‘No problem’ and always asked how Harvey was getting on. “Last time I saw you at (this years POTYA’s) Harvey’s team had just got promoted and Harvey had taken the winning penalty x.”You couldn’t believe how tall he was x”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock played over 200 times for Sheffield Utd between 2017 and 2024.He left the club over the summer to join Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League. The Blades put out a statement on Wednesday, writing: “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.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland face Greece on Thursday night in a Nations League clash at Wembley. Baldock, who won 12 caps for Greece, is set to be honoured before the contest. More