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      Premier League legend calls for Man Utd directors to be ‘ARRESTED’ for selling fans’ favourite in transfer window

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Paolo di Canio has criticised Manchester United’s decision to offload Scott McTominay.The Red Devils sold McTominay to Serie A giants Napoli in August.Scott McTominay has impressed since joining NapoliCredit: GettyPaolo Di Canio thinks Man Utd chiefs should be ‘arrested’ for selling the midfielderCredit: SplashThey earned £25million from the move, which helped fund a deadline day deal for top summer target Manuel Ugarte.But ex-Prem star Di Canio believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co made the wrong decision.In a recent interview with Il Mattino, he said: “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how can you give away McTominay?”Following the midfielder’s departure, United boss Erik ten Hag revealed he did not want to sell him.Read More on Man UtdThe Dutchman explained: “It is a little bit mixed, I am very happy for him but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him.”He is Manchester United in everything, he was so important for Manchester United.”He was here for over 22 years but unfortunately it is the rules.”Homegrown players bring more value and that is not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it is a good deal. Scott is happy with it, and Napoli and us.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Napoli, McTominay has scored two goals in five appearances.Meanwhile, United are struggling in the Premier League.Man Utd board’s EIGHT-HOUR London crunch talks and what it means for Erik ten HagThe Red Devils currently sit 14th in the table with just eight points from seven games.It has been their worst-ever start to a Prem season. More

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      Who was George Baldock?

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      THE world has been left in shock following the tragic death of former Premier League ace George Baldock.Wembley are set to hold a minute’s silence for Baldock ahead of England’s match against Greece tonight.George Baldock last played for PanathinaikosCredit: EPATributes have been paid for ex-Sheffield United star George BaldockCredit: GettyAnd the players will wear black armbands in tribute to George who sadly died on Wednesday.Here is what SunSport know about George Baldock.Who was George Baldock?Born March 9, 1993, George Baldock was raised in Buckingham, England.Baldock was of Greek descent through his grandmother and was eligible to represent Greece at an international level as well as England.Read more on George BaldockHe started his footballing career playing for Milton Keynes Dons’ academy team while older brother Sam Baldock played for the senior side.George made his first-team debut for MK Dons on May 1, 2010 in the League One clash with Brighton & Hove Albion which ended in a 0-0 draw.Baldock then joined Northampton on a month’s loan over a year later but June 13, 2017, George made his big breakthrough by signing for newly promoted Championship side Sheffield United.George Baldock spent seven years at Sheffield UnitedCredit: APAnd then in 2019, Baldock helped the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League following a 12-year absence.Most read in FootballThe full-back went on to represent Sheffield United for seven years making more than 219 appearances before his contract would expireThen on May 29, 2024, Baldock joined Greek side Panathinaikos on a three-year contract, making his debut in the Europa League third qualifying round at home to Ajax.What happened to George Baldock?George Baldock was tragically found dead in his swimming pool on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.The former Sheffield United defender was discovered at his home in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos.Greek media report his wife, who lives in England, was trying to track him down but she couldn’t contact him and started to worry.She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada, Athens, to check the property, where he was reportedly found dead in the swimming pool.Police are now investigating and were pictured outside his home later in the evening.Family statementBaldock’s family later released a statement following the devastating news.It read: “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.”While club Panathinaikos added: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”The Blades also paid tribute to Baldock in a statement that read: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates 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.” More

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      Scotland match stopped for FIFTEEN MINUTES as ambulance forced to drive to pitch after horror injury

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      SCOTLAND under-19’s friendly clash with Hungary was delayed for more than FIFTEEN MINUTES.That’s after one of Hungary’s players sustained a horror injury and required lengthy treatment on the park.A loose ball led to a tough tackleCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMThe Hungary player was left writhing in agonyCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMMedics rushed on as teammates looked on concernedCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMA stretcher was called forCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMAn ambulance drove right to the side of the pitchCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMThe Hungary player was rushed off of the parkCredit: YOUTUBE/SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAMIt’s the first of two back-to-back matches with the Hungarians for Neil Macfarlane’s under-19 side.The games will warm the Scots up for their European Championship qualifier with Wales next month.Scotland struck early with Aberdeen kid Alfie Bavidge, who’s on loan at Ayr, opening the scoring nine minutes in.But Hungary quickly levelled through Matyas Vidnyanszky five minutes later.That’s how the scoreline remained when horror scenes unfolded in the 50th minute of the match.Torino’s Tamas Galantai received possession in a defensive area and was immediately under pressure.Galantai let the ball run across him to escape the attentions of one player, with Gabriel Forsyth bearing down from where the ball was heading.The Scotland midfielder then came charging in with a full blooded challenge.Most read in FootballThe Norwich midfielder got a huge touch on the ball but his momentum took him crashing into Galantai at full speed.The Hungary player immediately writhed around in agony as the referee raced in to brandish a yellow card to Forsyth.Steve Clarke is dealing with injury chaos for Scotland’s return to Nations League action as Bill Leckie and Roger Hannah ask if it’s time toGalantai’s concerned teammates immediately called for medical assistance, with some looking visibly shaken with their heads in their hands.After the Hungary medical team raced onto the park, the Hungary players formed a circle around Galantai.A stretcher was immediately brought on and Galantai was given lengthy treatment on the pitch.After a ten-minute delay, an ambulance drove to the side of the pitch with blue lights flashing.The stricken player was then carefully lifted onto a stretcher and taken to the ambulance.Play resumed following a FIFTEEN MINUTE delay with the ambulance STILL by the side of the pitch.18 minutes after the injury, the ambulance left the University of Debrecen Stadium.The game itself looked destined for a draw until Celtic’s Mitchel Frame struck an 89th minute winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Premier League Wag reveals how she ‘SPLITS THE BILLS’ with footballer boyfriend in hilarious video

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      A PREMIER League Wag has given her fans a cheeky insight into her spending habits.Sophie Lawlor, the long-term girlfriend of Everton’s Jake O’Brien, left fans in hysterics with a viral TikTok. Sophie Lawlor, girlfriend of Everton’s Jake O’Brien, has revealed their spending arrangementsCredit: TikTok/Sophie LawlorThe loved-up pair have been together for over five yearsCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrSophie is popular on TikTok where she shares updates on her life as a Prem WagCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrLawlor broke down the pair’s spending after O’Brien got his big break in the Premier League over the summer. The 23-year-old centre-back joined Sean Dyche’s Toffees in a £17million switch from Lyon.Sophie and Jake have been an item for over five years, with the footy ace regularly appearing on her socials. The makeup artist boasts over 16,000 followers on TikTok, recently giving her fans an inside look into being a Prem Wag. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLawlor captioned the viral vid: “Here’s how we split bills as a couple who lives together.”She went on to detail the things she shells out for, saying: “I pay for rent, gas and electric, council tax, car insurance, car fuel, dog food, food shop, girly things and travel.”But in a twist to end the video, Lawlor had her fans on strings with a cheeky final message.She added, alongside a snap of O’Brien at his Everton unveiling: “He gives me the money to pay for it all.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fan laughed in response: “This is amazing.”Another said: “Just need Dyche to play him now.”Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs GreeceAnd a third joked: “You’ll have to start coughing up when Everton go down this season.”O’Brien has struggled to break into the first team on Merseyside since his arrival in July.He has appeared just once in the Premier League, along with two cup starts. She boasts over 16,000 followers on the social media siteCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrIrish defender O’Brien penned a four-year deal with Everton over the summerCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrHe has struggled to break into the first team on MerseysideCredit: GettyA no-nonsense centre-half, O’Brien began his career at Cork City and was formerly on the books at Crystal Palace. After penning a four-year deal with the Toffees, he said: “I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed.”I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.”Lawlor, a makeup artist, met O’Brien when the pair were teenagers in CorkCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorrThe pair recently moved back from France after O’Brien left LyonCredit: Instagram @sophielawlorr More

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      Abandoned stadium that hosted Liverpool reclaimed by nature after 16 years closed as locals refuse to knock it down

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      AN ABANDONED stadium that hosted Liverpool has been overcome by nature after being closed for the best part of two decades.The Bezigrad Stadium, located in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has been shut since 2008.The Bezigrad Stadium in Slovenia has been left to rot since 2008The stadium hosted 27 international matchesMichael Owen broke Liverpool’s European goal record at the groundBut it has been left derelict since 2008Former club NK Olimpija Ljubljana left the ground in 2008Building for the stadium began back in 1925 after being designed by Joze Plecnik – a Slovenian architect who had a huge influence on the modern design of Vienna.Construction was completed in 1935, with the stadium having an official seating capacity of 8,259.Following World War Two, the stadium was home to NK Olimpija and was also used for track and field events.The club, founded in 1945, played there throughout it’s history until its dissolution in 2005 due to a huge financial debt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrom 2005 to 2007 phoenix club NK Bezigrad was founded and played at the ground too.Liverpool scraped a 1-1 draw during a Uefa Cup match at the stadium in 2003/04 season, with Michael Owen scoring to beat Ian Rush’s record of European goals for the Reds.The stadium also played host to 27 matches for the Slovenian national team between 1995 and 2004 after the country gained its Independence.Many of these games were European Championship qualifiers, with Ukraine first playing there in 1995.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOpponents to visit the stadium ranged from Faroe Islands and Cyprus to France and Denmark.When Les Blues played there in a Euro 2004 qualifying match in September 2003, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry registered an assist for the only goal of Olivier Dacourt’s France career in a 2-0 win.Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral It was a match that also saw Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira booked, while Claude Makelele was sent off.However, it has been left to the elements since 2008 when NK Olimpija, now known as Olimpija Ljubljana, moved into the neighbouring Stožice Stadium.Plans to redevelop the stadium have been drawn up in the past, with a £212million project being proposed the same year as its initial closure.The multi-purpose upgrade would have seen the building of multiple commercial outlets including a shopping centre, hotel, sports hall and restaurants.But objections from local residents and a lack of investment have thwarted progress.And consequently it currently lies behind fences and paddocks with weeds breaking through the concrete. More

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      Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job

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      GARY NEVILLE has revealed what was discussed in his recent meeting with the Manchester United top brass.The former Red Devils defender was part of a meeting on Monday at OId Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and key board members.Gary Neville recently sat in on a Manchester United meetingCredit: GettyThe club legend discussed the club’s plans to renovate Old Trafford with Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PANeville insists footballing matters were NOT discussed in the meetingCredit: YOUTUBE@THEOVERLAPNeville was quizzed about the get-together during the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, which is brought to you by Sky Bet, and was dubbed an “inside man” by fellow podcaster Ian Wright.But the 49-year-old hit back at the Arsenal legend’s suggestion, and claimed he was not privvy to any discussions about the future of under-fire manager Erik ten HagNeville’s meeting with United hierarchy came amid growing pressure on ten Hag, who has overseen Utd’s worst start to a Premier League season since 1989.But the retired defender insists the team’s current woes under the Dutchman WERE NOT discussed in the meeting – and he was only consulted about plans to rebuild Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNeville was adamant, saying: “I’m not on the inside of it, no I’m not.”I went on Monday to meet them about the regeneration side.”When pressed if he gave his thoughts on footballing matters, he responded: “Not at all.”Not at all [did I talk about] footballing matters. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I went in with a couple members of the regeneration task force and basically spoke about that.”United’s hammering at the hands of Tottenham late last month and drab draws with FC Twente and Aston Villa have sparked more calls for Ten Hag to be relieved of his duties.But club legend Wayne Rooney insists the buck doesn’t just stop with the former Ajax gaffer.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The Plymouth Argyle manager said: “Something needs to change.”I’m not saying that’s purely the manager, but the performances and the lack of desire when you watch the players, it’s crazy.”I was there at the Tottenham game and that’s as bad as I’ve seen in Old Trafford for a long, long time.”Former United skipper Roy Keane shares Rooney’s thoughts on the team’s struggles, saying: “The players came out after the match and are going, ‘I think they wanted it more than us’.”I kind of gave up at that stage.”If that’s the noise coming out of the dressing room, then no wonder the manager is in trouble.”Ten Hag knows his head is on the chopping block but is confident his troops can turn things around.Erik ten Hag is confident of turning Manchester United’s fortunes aroundCredit: GETTYHe told Sky Sports “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.””I’m not thinking about it,” he said when asked if he’s worried about being sacked. “I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Brentford to Old Trafford.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo text me listing every single trophy he’d won after I said he wasn’t in my top 10 players of all time

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      A FORMER Real Madrid forward says Cristiano Ronaldo messaged him with a list of his trophies after snubbing the Portuguese icon from his all-time top ten.Antonio Cassano seems to have a vendetta against one of the greatest footballers ever.Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at criticism from a fellow ex-Real Madrid forwardCredit: GettyThe Portugal superstar has won the Ballon d’Or five timesCredit: AFPAnd in a shock verdict, he snubbed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from his list – behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and the ‘original’ Brazilian Ronaldo.But those public comments did not go down well with the former Manchester United forward, 39, who personally reached out to Cassano to set the record straight. Speaking on the BSMT podcast, Cassano, 42, said: “I said Ronaldo is No1, the Brazilian. “Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t make my top five, or even top ten, because for me the quality of a player is another thing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Next thing, I finish the work I was doing and I get a text message from a +34 number, that’s Spain. It’s a list of all the trophies, goals and statistics.”Then he sends me a voice note, telling me, ‘You disrespected me, don’t do anything like that again. You only scored 150 goals, you only won four trophies.’ Perfect.“So I answer him. I say, ‘Dear Cristiano, listen to me. You think I disrespected you, I just don’t like you as a player. What’s the problem?’“He went to the trouble of messaging me, imagine.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCassano – who claimed he could have been as good as Lionel Messi or Neymar – came through at Bari before playing for some of Europe’s top clubs including Roma, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan.The forward also racked up 39 caps for Italy and two league titles – a LaLiga with Los Blancos and the 2010-11 Serie A during his time at AC Milan. Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnBut despite his highly-controversial and mediocre career compared to the illustrious achievements of Ronaldo, that has not stopped him from launching multiple personal assaults on the Al-Nassr man.Cassano also blasted CR7 as “selfish” and only thinking about “goals and records”.He then likened Ronaldo to Filippo Inzaghi and David Trezeguet for simply being a good goalscorer – not a “genius” footballer. In September 2022, Cassano told the Portugal legend to “do yourself a favour” and “stop” his career by retiring.And two years later, he piled in again by insisting Ronaldo “doesn’t know how to play football”.He added: “He could score 3,000 goals, I don’t give a f***.Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy cabinetSPORTING CPSupertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2002MANCHESTER UNITEDPremier League: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09FA Cup: 2003–04League Cup: 2005–06, 2008–09FA Community Shield: 2007Champions League: 2007–08Club World Cup: 2008REAL MADRIDLa Liga: 2011–12, 2016–17Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14Supercopa de España: 2012, 2017Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18Super Cup: 2014, 2017Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017JUVENTUSSerie A: 2018–19, 2019–20Coppa Italia: 2020–21Supercoppa Italiana: 2018, 2020AL-NASSRArab Club Champions Cup: 2023PORTUGALEuropean Championship: 2016Nations League: 2018–19″[Gonzalo] Higuain, [Sergio] Aguero, [Karim] Benzema, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and [Luis] Suarez knew how to link-up with the team.”They knew how to do a lot of things, unlike Ronaldo whose only objective has always been to score.”However, Ronaldo is not the only target Cassano has taken aim at.He also suggested Erling Haaland was simply a goal machine who does not understand how to play the beautiful game, either. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut his comments about compatriot Jorginho prompted an awkward encounter on the beach between the pair. That is because Cassano publicly laughed off legitimate suggestions that Jorginho was in the running for the Ballon d’Or after winning the Champions League and Euros in 2021. Antonio Cassano appears to have a personal gripe against RonaldoCredit: GettyHe told the story when he appeared on a podcastCredit: YouTube More

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      Agonising wait for George Baldock’s exact cause of death after it ‘took 5hrs’ for footballer’s body to be found in pool

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      GEORGE Baldock’s body was found in his pool five hours after he died – as an agonising wait has begun to learn the footballer’s cause of death.The defensive ace, 31, was found dead in his swimming pool at home in Athens on Wednesday night.Baldock was playing for Panathinaikos FC this yearCredit: RexBaldock’s body was pulled from the bottom of his poolCredit: LNPEmergency services tried to revive the defenderCredit: ReutersTributes have been laid for ex-Sheffield United playerCredit: GettyA half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police now investigating whether another person was present at the time.Forensic scientists who conducted the autopsy on Baldock at Athens’ University Hospital believe he was dead for five hours before he was discovered.A large amount of water was found in Baldock’s lungs by the boffins – leading police to believe he likely drowned.A police source told the Sun: “There were no bruises or cuts on his body. Read more in football”When he was removed from the bottom of the pool and turned round water gushed out of him, suggesting, of course, that he had drowned.”But it remains unclear why the water got into his lungs in the first place.Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.According to Greek media, Baldock’s wife – who lives in England – was trying to contact the former Sheffield United star and had began to worry.Most read in FootballAfter failing to track him down, she then told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31The Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by emergency services.They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.The emergency service (EKAV) doctor deemed that Baldock’s death had occurred at least an hour before he was found by the landlord.Authorities will check camera footage, although early findings show there is no indication of foul play.Police are investigating whether other people were present at the time of his deathCredit: RexEmergency services tried to resuscitate the player but could not save himCredit: LNPThe autopsy is expected to come out on Friday or Saturday while the toxicology results will take a longer time.Tributes flowed to Baldock following the news of his death.Baldock’s family later released a statement saying: “as a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”The football clubs he played for also released touching tributes.Panathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute.They said: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.”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 celebrates a win against ReadingCredit: Getty More