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      Steve Bruce shares heartbreaking statement after tragic death of four-month old grandson Madison

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      STEVE BRUCE has shared a heartbreaking statement after the tragic death of his four-month old grandson.Newborn Madison was the child of former Leeds, Fulham and Millwall striker Matt Smith, who is Bruce’s son-in-law.Blackpool’s Manager Steve Bruce has issued a statement after the death of his grandsonCredit: PABruce’s statement read: “On Tuesday we laid my grandson Madison to rest.”It’s been the worst time of my family’s entire lives and is something no family should have to endure.”I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the family to thank everyone for the tributes and messages from inside and outside the footballing world.”It has touched us all. I’d also like to thank David, Julian and the owner Simon for their understanding and support.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday at Gillingham, and back at Bloomfield Road.”Look after your loved ones. Best wishes, Steve Bruce.”Madison’s passing was announced on October 18.In a statement, Blackpool said Madison’s death was “sudden and unexpected”.Most read in FootballBruce, former Newcastle and Aston Villa gaffer, missed Blackpool’s match against Barnsley on October 19 due to the bereavement. And understanding so, hasn’t been in the dugout since.The legendary manager, who has overseen more than 1,000 matches, is set to return to action for this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Gillingham.Bruce’s son Alex, who is currently working as the assistant manager at Salford City, also missed their game against Crewe.The ex-Prem manager, 63, joined the Tangerines on a two-year deal in September after nearly two years out of football management.Blackpool have won just four of their opening 13 games of the season, losing five along the way, leaving them 16th in League One. What tributes clubs have madeClubs up and down the country have sent their condolences…Preston North End”Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”West Bromwich Albion”Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.”Norwich City”Heartbreaking news. We’re sending our love and support to Steve and his family at this difficult time”Birmingham City”Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”Bristol City”Everybody at Bristol City sends their condolences, thoughts and love to the family at this tragic time.”Lincoln City”Deepest condolences from everyone at the Imps to Steve and his family.”Northampton Town”Sending the condolences of everyone at Sixfields to Steve and his family.”Leeds United”Everybody at Leeds United sends their condolences and thoughts to Steve’s family at this tragic time.”Bristol Rovers”Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our condolences, thoughts and love to Steve and the Bruce family.”Barnsley”Incredibly sad news. The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to Barnsley Football Club are with Steve and his family.” More

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      George Baldock: Dele Alli and Dean Henderson lead mourners at funeral of ex-Premier League star after tragic death at 31

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      DELE ALLI and Dean Henderson have joined mourners at the funeral of George Baldock. The former Sheffield United defender was found dead in the swimming pool of his Athens home on October 9.George Baldock was found dead in his home swimming pool on October 9Credit: RexFormer Spurs star Dele Alli was among the mourners at his funeral on WednesdayCredit: LNPThe funeral took place in Baldock’s native BuckinghamshireCredit: LNPChris Wilder, Baldock’s former manager at Sheffield United, was in attendanceCredit: LNPDean Henderson spent two years alongside Baldock in South YorkshireCredit: LNPBaldock was honored at a funeral service in Milton Keynes on Wednesday morning. The ceremony was attended by a host of mourners from his lengthy career. Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was joined by Baldock’s former teammates including Alli, Henderson, and Oli McBurnie. Henderson was spotted earlier this month making his own tribute on the touchline ahead of England’s Nations League game with Greece.READ MORE ON SPORTThe goalkeeper spent two years with Baldock at Bramall Lane during a loan spell from Manchester United.He would later describe the 31-year-old as a “great teammate, great player and also a great family man.”Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his grandmother and played for the country 12 times.He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up, where Alli also played before his move to Tottenham in 2015. Most read in FootballPaying a heartbreaking tribute to Baldock earlier this month, Alli said it had been an “honor to know” him. He wrote on Instagram: “No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough.George Baldock’s devastated fiancée pays heartbreaking tribute to star who was ‘love of her life'”May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you!”I love you brother and will miss you forever!”My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family! Rest in peace Balders.”Baldock made his name with the Blades, playing over 200 times for the club 2017 and 2024. He had joined Panathinaikos from South Yorkshire this summer.Baldock was playing in Greece after joining Panathinaikos in the summerCredit: RexThe defender made four appearances for the Greek side this season, including three in the league.His most recent appearance came against Olympiacos on October 6.Baldock was found unresponsive in his private swimming pool a day before he was due to fly back to the UK to see his fiancee Annabel and son Brody. Following news of the star’s untimely death, McBurnie – another former Sheffield Utd teammate – paid tribute to his pal.Alli played with Baldock during his time with MK DonsCredit: Instagram @deleThe striker, who now plays in Spain, said: “George loved his missus and his little boy so much. “They’re the people in this that I really feel sorry for.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.” More

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      in Boxing

      Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues dead at 66: Boxing world title contender who fought Evander Holyfield and Foreman dies

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      BRAZILIAN boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues has died aged 66.The former heavyweight contender passed away in Sao Paulo after suffering from multiple health complications. Adilson Rodrigues, left, during his fight with George ForemanCredit: GettyRodrigues passed away aged 66Credit: TwitterIn 85 fights, Rodrigues won 77, lost seven, drew once and scored 61 career knockouts. He held various Brazilian and South American titles, facing some of boxing’s best during his time. In 1989, he was beaten by American great Evander Holyfield and George Foreman a year later, losing both in round two. But Rodrigues also beat former cruiserweight world champion and now Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson in 1995. READ MORE IN BOXINGHis last fight came in 2000, losing to countryman Daniel Frank. After retiring – 13 years later – Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many former fighters after years of head trauma. Symptoms include memory loss and confusion, which intensifies over time. Most read in BoxingWhat is CTE?By Jennifer Roback and Penelope MinCTE refers to a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumas.Other elements may play a role, including genetics, but exact factors are yet to be discovered, as reported by the Boston University CTE Center.CTE is only diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain and is known to be a rather rare disease.It is most commonly found in athletes, including football players and boxers.Some symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and progressive dementia.These signs can begin to appear after years or even decades after the last brain trauma.In 2018, with his family’s consent, Rodrigues decided to donate his brain to scientific research after his death. It will allow researchers at the University of Sao Paulo to study the impact of repeated trauma on the brain.Rodrigues spent his last days at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center in Itu receiving specialised care. Netflix unveil official promotional trailer for Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 More

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      Abdelaziz Barrada dead at 35: Former Marseille and Morocco star dies suddenly as tributes pour in

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      ABDELAZIZ BARRADA has sadly died at the age of 35.The ex-Marseille and Morocco star suddenly passed away as it was confirmed by his former club.Abdelaziz Barrada has died at the age of 35Credit: GettyHe played 26 times for MoroccoCredit: GettyMoroccan news outlet Hespress has reported that Barrada suffered a heart attack in the afternoon.The Ligue 1 outfit announced the footballer’s death on social media with a touching tribute.It read: “Rest in peace Abdelaziz.”Olympique de Marseille learned with sadness of the death of its former player and Moroccan international, Abdelaziz Barrada.READ MORE ON SPORT”Arriving in the summer of 2014, the attacking midfielder wore the colours of OM for two seasons.”The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and share in the grief of his loved ones.”Social media was flooded with tributes to Barrada.Morroco star Amine Harit posted: “Abdelaziz Barrada may Allah have mercy on you support his loved ones.”Most read in FootballTributes have flooded in for the star on social mediaCredit: AFPHe scored four goals for MoroccoCredit: GettyA fan wrote: “My deepest condolences.”A second commented: “My condolences to his family and loved ones, 35 is really too young, may he rest in peace.”A third said: “I am shocked to hear of his death! May he rest in peace, a player who will have left his mark on Marseille anyway.”Another added: “It hurts, we didn’t expect it, rest in peace Abdelaziz condolences to the family and loved ones.”Barrada started his professional career in France at Senart-Moissy.He went on to play for Paris Saint-Germain’s B side between 2007 and 2010.The midfielder went on to have spells at Getafe in Spain as well as Marseille, Al-Jazira, Al-Nasr, Antalyaspor, Al Shahania and Lusitanos Saint-Maur.During his two-year spell at Marseille, he made 33 league appearances and scored two goals.He played alongside the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Steven Fletcher, Brice Samba and Lassana Diarra.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarrada also starred for the Morrocan national side as he earned 26 caps between 2012 and 2015.He scored four goals for the side, including a strike against Gambia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. More

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      in Athletics

      From legendary strongman to avid budgie breeder – the unforgettable life of beloved Olympian Geoff Capes

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      GIANT policeman Geoff Capes, who became Britain’s best-loved strongman, has died aged 75.Shot putter Capes — who stood 6ft 5½in and weighed 26st — represented Great Britain at three Olympics.Despite his strongman persona, Geoff Capes’ hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant handsCredit: GettyGeoff Capes of Great Britain competing in the men’s shot put event during the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal 1976.Credit: GettyGeoff won the 1983 World’s Strongest Man competitionCredit: RexHe was Commonwealth champion and European champion twice and since 1980 has been the country’s shot put record holder with a throw of 21.68metres.But the star was best known as the World’s Strongest Man, who could tear London phone directories in half and bend three-foot long, one-inch diameter steel bars.But remarkably, his hobby was breeding budgerigars which he held gently in his giant hands.And he became the president of the Budgerigar Society and was never happier than when he won the world budgie championship and travelled the globe judging bird shows.READ MORE ON GEOFF CAPESLast night fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved strongman.I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.Geoff on his youthOne said on X: “I watched him as a young man — my sincerest ­condolences to his family and friends, we’ll miss you Geoff.”Another added: “Sad to hear the passing of Geoff Capes. A fixture growing up on our TV and during athletics coverage.”Geoffrey Lewis Capes was born in 1949 in Holbeach, Lincs, the seventh of nine children.Most read in AthleticsAnd trouble was never far away. He remembered: “I was a hell of a fighter as well. If the next town came down on a Friday and there were only eight or nine of them I’d say, ‘Go back and get some more.’VW Polo from 3848 advert featuring Geoff Capes advert from 1983“I’d fight them on my own. I was quite quiet, but there was an inner aggression.“My headmaster, a guy called Joe Fathers, took great pleasure in trying to knock it out of me. He had a choice of canes.“On the last day I went into his office, I took the canes off the wall in the office in front of him and walked out.”Gifted sportsmanGeoff’s salvation was Holbeach Athletic Club where he was coached by BBC athletics commentator Stuart Storey.A gifted sportsman, Capes represented Lincolnshire at basketball, football and cross-country. But shot put was where he could channel the chip on his shoulder.Capes said: “I threw in bare feet in a concrete circle — and came second from last.”Capes would hitch-hike to athletics competitions and was told by Storey that he would achieve great things if he could just direct his energy.But growing up in the Lincs fens Geoff had a softer side — he was ­fascinated by the natural world and cared for injured birds and animals. After leaving school he worked as a coalman and an agricultural labourer before joining Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1970. He served in the force for ten years.He was allowed time off to compete at athletics meetings, but on a copper’s salary he could barely afford a daily diet that included six pounds of red meat, a dozen eggs and a large tin of baked beans.He also consumed two tins of ­pilchards, one and a half pounds of cottage cheese, a packet of cereal, two large loaves of bread with a pound of butter. All washed down with a pint of orange juice and seven pints of milk.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athleteCredit: GettyThe strongman appearing in the kids’ TV programme ‘Supergran’Credit: RexIn a recent interview Capes said: ‘I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?’Credit: RexIn his last interview he said: “I ate like a f***ing horse! Anything I could get my hands on. But nearly all protein.”Capes, who would lift 120 tons in training each week, did sponsorship deals that helped him to bypass the Olympics’ strict amateur rules.He had advertising slogans “Butcher Brown is the best in town” and his Talbot Estate car displayed “Dewhurst: Master Butchers” on the side.Capes went on to become the most capped British male athlete of all time, with 67 international credits, and in 1983 he was voted Britain’s best-ever field athlete.Just before his last Olympics, Moscow 1980, he won Britain’s first strongest man competition and became a household name. Tests of strength such as bending steel bars, lifting a platform of bunny girls, pulling lorries, arm wrestles and tug of war gave the show cult status.And Capes was soon in demand for everything from 17 pantomime appearances and children’s TV to performances at the London Palladium with Bobby Davro and TV ads.By 1983 he was officially the world’s strongest man but the following year lost the title to Jón Páll Sigmarsson.The Icelander who was 11 years younger, taunted: “The King has lost his crown!”But Geoff swore: “I’ll be back.” The next year he took the title and roared: “The King has not lost his crown!”Once, at Scotland’s Braemar Games, he used so much resin competing that when he was congratulated by the late Queen, their hands stuck together, causing Her Majesty to roar with laughter.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeoff’s son Lewis and daughter Emma were both shot putters, while two of his grandchildren, Donovan, 19, and Lawson, 15, train at the shot put ring Capes built in his home village of Stoke Rochford, Lincs.In a recent interview he said: “I enjoyed my life and I went around the world. How many people can say that?” More

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      in Athletics

      Geoff Capes dead at 75: Legendary strongman and Britain’s finest shot putter passes away

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      GEOFF CAPES has sadly passed away at the age of 75.The legendary strongman was considered Britain’s finest shot-putter and was one of its biggest celebrities at his peak.Geoff Capes has passed away at the age of 75Credit: GettyCapes seen here lifting fellow 80s star and legendary Sun Page 3 girl Linda LusardiCredit: GettyHe was pictured with record-breaking England goalkeeper Peter Shilton at a charity event in 2019Credit: XHe also bred budgies outside of sportCredit: GettyA family statement said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October.”Britain’s finest shot-putter and twice world’s strongest man.”Capes, from Holbeach in Lincolnshire, was adored by millions and became a household name in the Eighties and Nineties.The 6ft 6ins star, who still holds the British shot put record at 21.68mtrs, was also twice named the World’s Strongest Man.READ MORE ON SPORTHis first victory came in the World’s Strongest Man event in 1983 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the second was two years later in Cascais, Portugal.During his shot-put career he won gold medals in the European Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.Fans of Capes, who weighed 27st at one point, have flooded social media to pay tribute to the legend.One posted: “RIP legendary strongman Geoff Capes.”Most read in AthleticsA second wrote: “Another sporting hero from our youth leaves us. RIP Geoff Capes.”A third commented: “Sad to hear of the death of Geoff Capes. He was a big part of my TV childhood. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”Tributes have flooded in for the legend on social mediaCredit: GettyHe also competed at two Olympic gamesCredit: AlamyHe made an appearance on hit children’s series the The Sooty ShowCredit: YouTubeHe was often a star guest on light entertainment programmes in the Eighties and early Nineties and is seen here on The Little And Large Show as BlutoCredit: X / Formerly known as TwitterCapes with one of his budgerigars in 1978Credit: GettyA fourth said: “So sad to hear the news that Geoff Capes passed away.”He was also a three-time Olympian, competing at Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 in Moscow in 1980.In his debut games, the talented sportsman who also represented his county at basketball, football and cross country, he finished in 20th place.He was one of the favourites for gold at both of his latter tournaments but finished sixth and fifth.Former policeman Capes also competed in the Highland Games in Scotland and won the World Heavy Events title in Lagos in 1981.At the European Championships in Prague in 1978, he was sent home in disgrace.He had punched a referee and two guards who were holding machine guns after they complained that he was not wearing the correct number for the competition.After retiring, he went on to coach stars in both athletics and strength athletics.He helped Adrian Smith take fifth spot in the World’s Strongest Man in 1990.During the Eighties, he was a regular on TV screens in the country, appearing on entertainment shows such as Little and Large, the Sooty Show and the Kenny Everett Television Show.One of nine children, his shot-put talent was passed down to his family, with daughter Emma a Youth Olympics bronze medalist.His son, Lewis, has played American Football for the London Monarchs.Outside of sport, he was a huge lover of budgies.He bred the birds for more than four decades – getting his first three birds from a man he went to arrest for failing to pay a fine in 1969 when he was in the police.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was named the president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008.He bred his own birds for over three decades and was overjoyed when he was bestowed with the honour.Geoff Capes’ career medalsStrongman career:1983 World’s Strongest Man1985 World’s Strongest Man1980 Europe’s Strongest Man1982 Europe’s Strongest Man1984 Europe’s Strongest Man1987 World Strongman Challenge winner1987 World Muscle Power Classic winnerShotput career:Gold – 1974 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1978 Commonwealth GamesGold – 1974 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipGold – 1976 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1975 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1977 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipSilver – 1979 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1978 European Indoor Athletics ChampionshipBronze – 1974 European Athletics Championship More

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      in Soccer

      Panathinaikos to hold emotional George Baldock tribute before Chelsea clash with players still rocked by tragic death

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      PANATHINAIKOS want to land a winners’ medal for George Baldock as they prepare for their first home game since his shock death.Manager Diego Alonso admitted the club and squad will play Chelsea on Thursday, still in a state of mourning, but teammate Facundo Pellistri says they are determined to win silverware as he watches “from the skies”.Panathinaikos will pay tribute to George Baldock before the match against ChelseaCredit: RexThe Greek national team paid tribute before beating EnglandCredit: AFPDiego Alonso has said that the squad is still ‘mourning’ the loss of the defenderCredit: AFPThe Greek club, currently sixth in the Super League, will pay tribute to Baldock as their “starman” ahead of their Europa Conference League meeting with Chelsea.Posters at the Athens Olympic Stadium read “There’s a starman waiting in the sky” with Baldock’s shirt number of 32 included.The defender, who represented Greece through his grandmother, was found dead in the pool of his Athens home on October 9.A tribute will be held around 20 minutes before kick-off as well as a minute’s silence, while players will wear black armbands.READ MORE ON SPORTPellistri, who joined Panathinaikos from Manchester United in the summer, said: “This is a really hard situation, for us what happened with George Baldock was really sad.”It has not affected only us as teammates or the club but the whole country.”We are going to continue our struggle for the championship because George, who is not with us, is looking at us from the skies and he would like to have seen the team gain the championship.”We are going to do everything for him as his teammates and his team. Winning the championship to dedicate to him.”Most read in FootballPellistri and his teammates have made it clear they want to travel to England for Baldock’s funeral on October 30, with owner Giannis Alafouzos considering putting on a private plane for the squad.Panathinaikos are also discussing whether to honour the remainder of the former Sheffield United man’s three-year contract to support his family.Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England George 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)Boss Alonso added: “It is very painful and we are very sad about the passing of George.”We are living 15 very hard days, we are still mourning this loss.”I wouldn’t like to enter into details because this is not correct at this time, but I can tell you two things.”The first is respect. The second thing is that our team, all of us, dedicate the whole season to the blessed memory of George Baldock.”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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      in Soccer

      Inside tragic George Baldock’s final hours as he told team-mates ‘it’s s*** I’m not there’ for son Brody’s 1st birthday

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      GEORGE BALDOCK told team-mates he was devastated to miss his son’s 1st birthday just a day before he tragically passed away.The footballer was found dead at his home in Athens, Greece on October 9 after drowning in his pool.George Baldock was set to fly home for his son’s birthday the day after he passed awayCredit: GettyBaldock was found dead at his home on October 9Credit: PASheffield United fans have left tributes outside Bramall LaneCredit: GettyHis finacee Annabel raised the concern after not hearing from him on the night he diedCredit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamOn the day of the 31-year-old’s sad passing, Baldock reported to his club Panathinaikos’ training ground for treatment on a minor injury.His team-mate and close friend Hordur Magnusson was also there and remembers getting a warm embrace from him.After doing some light jogging, he joined players Erik Palmer-Brown and Alexander Jeremejeff in the sauna.The pair teased Baldock about being “father of the year” – an inside joke they shared – which had extra meaning that day as it was his son Brody’s first birthday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer-Brown told The Athletic that his last memory of the ex-Sheffield United star was him admitting: “But it’s a bit s*** I’m not there.”Baldock then told his team-mates he was thrilled to be flying back to England the next day to visit his little boy and fiancee Annabel.Unfortunately, he never made it and died later that night.After his sauna, the right-back was dropped home by fellow defender Bart Schenkeveld, who was one of the last people to see him.Most read in FootballAnnabel soon became worried that night as she had unusually not heard from her husband-to-be just hours before he was set to come home.She reached out to his landlord and he visited the property – only to find Baldock dead in his pool.Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England Medics were called but they were unable to save him. News quickly spread and several Panathinaikos players went to Baldock’s house that night.Magnusson was there, explaining: “I went to try to help because I didn’t believe that George was dead.”But when I saw 20 police guys on motorbikes outside his house, and the ambulance as well, the club staff members and the investigative police going inside, then I realised: ‘F***. He’s gone.’”Palmer-Brown reveals he has been struggling to sleep, saying: “It was one of the darkest days of my life.”I don’t see myself just moving on and playing football happily ever again. I’ve never felt like this before.”Baldock’s death has also hit his former Sheffield United pals hard.Little Brody is going to grow up and never know what a top man his dad was.Oli McBurnieOli McBurnie said: “George loved his missus and his little boy so much. They’re the people in this that I really feel sorry for. “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 death came on the eve of Greece’s 2-1 win over England.He played for the Greek national side as he was eligible via his grandparents and was only not in the squad because of his minor injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESPolice are investigating his death but have ruled out any criminal activity.Toxicology reports could take as long as 45 days to come back.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