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      George Baldock’s body flying back to UK ‘this weekend’ as cops rule out criminality in ex-Premier League star’s death

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      GEORGE Baldock’s body is expected to fly back to the UK this weekend – with cops ruling out criminality in the ex-Premier League star’s tragic death.The defensive ace, 31, was found dead at his home in Athens on Wednesday night after drowning in his pool. George Baldock’s cause of death has been revealed as drowningCredit: RexBaldock’s body was pulled from his pool on WednesdayCredit: LNPEngland and Greece paid tribute to Baldock during last night’s Nations League clashBaldock played a key role in shutting out Kylian Mbappe and France last yearCredit: GettyRepatriation efforts are now underway and his body is due to return to the UK this weekend, sources say. “If the paperwork is ready, the repatriation can take place… that means by this weekend,” a source in Greece told The Sun.Greek police on Friday ruled out criminality saying all the evidence had pointed to an accident that had caused Baldock to drown.A police spokeswoman said: “From the evidence up to now, based on the coroner’s initial assessment of the body and the scene at the house, criminal action has been ruled out.Read more on football”It really does seem that this was an accident and case of drowning but we have to wait for the toxicological tests.”The Sun reported yesterday how tests could take “weeks, if not months” to confirm the exact nature of Baldock’s death.Baldock’s agent said she did not want to comment. The footballer’s fiance Annabel Dignam last night has paid a touching tribute to her “soulmate” and the “perfect dad”.Most read in FootballIn an Instagram post she wrote: “George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect dad to our beautiful boy. “You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England “You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.”My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”The post was followed by a loving snap of the couple together smiling.Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos FC at the start of this seasonCredit: RexBaldock’s heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam has paid a touching tributeCredit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamHis family also revealed the football star, who moved to Greece to play for Panathinaikos FC, was due to return to the UK on Thursday to celebrate his son’s birthday.A separate tribute hours earlier by his family described Baldock as the “most special person”.It continued: “You were the most special father, fiancee, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.”Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.”We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.Baldock with his son Brody saying farewell to Sheffield United fans last seasonCredit: GettyGreece players holding up a Baldock shirt in memory at Wembley last nightCredit: PA”You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”Annabel first raised the alarm after not hearing from her soon-to-be husband.After failing to track him down, she 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 in the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.The 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 police.They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.His family confirmed his cause of death as drowning.Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.A half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police initially investigating whether another person was present at the time.TRIBUTES POUR INOther heartfelt tributes have continued to be made for Baldock after his death was confirmed.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.”Baldock played for his club side on Sunday during a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Olympiacos.He played 75 minutes before being subbed off.The club have confirmed he last trained with them on Wednesday before driving home to his €15,000-a-month apartment.Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute saying: “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.”England and Greece stars also held a minutes silence ahead of their Nations League clash last night.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.”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.”The Arsenal and England legend worked alongside Baldock during a coaching stint MK Dons, where the British-born Greece international graduated through the academy.READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester 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.”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.Tributes outside Bramall Lane to former Sheffield United player BaldockCredit: PA More

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      Bukayo Saka injury update with Arsenal star set to miss England’s Nations League clash with Finland

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      BUKAYO SAKA is expected to miss England’s Nations League clash on Sunday with Finland through injury.The Arsenal star hobbled off six minutes into the second half of Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat to Greece, holding the back of his right leg as he left the pitch.Bukayo Saka limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat against GreeceCredit: PAThe Arsenal star is now a doubt for the Three Lions next game against FinlandCredit: RexHe will undergo a scan but the knock – believed to be a strain – is not thought to be serious.So while he is a major doubt for the match in Helsinki, his club will be hopeful he will be available for selection for their Premier League trip to Bournemouth next Saturday.Interim England chief Lee Carsley confirmed after the loss to Greece that Saka had been withdrawn due to feeling some discomfort in the build-up to Greece’s first goal.The 50-year-old said: “He’s being assessed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Obviously in the build-up to the first goal, you could see he felt something in his leg.”Carsley will give an update on Saka’s fitness tomorrow in his pre-match press conference previewing the Finland game.Saka, 23, has been in hot form for his club.He netted in both their 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain and 3-1 victory over Southampton earlier this month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSaka was replaced by Noni Madueke in the match last night.Jude Bellingham looked to have spared England’s blushes with a late goal, but that was undone when some more shoddy defending allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to net his second of the night in injury time.Bukayo Saka declares ‘this is Arsenal’s year’ and they will win Premier League titleEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele ‘in advanced talks’ over shock manager job in Championship

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      CLAUDE Makelele has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Cardiff City.The Chelsea and Real Madrid legend is out of work after leaving Greek team Asteras Tripolis. Claude Makelele has been linked with the managerial post at CardiffCredit: Getty – ContributorThe former Chelsea star is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generationCredit: AFP – GettyMakelele, a World Cup runner-up with France, left Tripolis last week after barely a month in charge.The 51-year-old fell out with the club’s owners and is now back on the market. Cardiff have been without a manager since sacking Erol Bulut three weeks ago. The Welsh club are currently bottom of the Championship after mustering just five points from 9 games. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to French outlet Foot Mercato, Makele is in “advanced talks” with the Bluebirds.Makelele retired in 2011 after a stellar two-decade career. He won the Champions League with Madrid and lifted two Premier League titles during five seasons with Chelsea. After hanging up his boots, the Frenchman was an assistant at PSG before taking up his first managerial role with Bastia. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has also enjoyed an assistant role at Cardiff’s rivals Swansea and managed Belgian side Eupen between 2017 and 2019. Makelele returned to Chelsea in 2020 to become a youth coach and technical mentor.Shocking moment Cardiff star left with gash on leg after advertising boards collapse on him as fans celebrate goalJoining up with Asteras Tripolis last month had signalled he was ready for another crack at management.But his fall-out with the board resulted in him leaving the club just weeks after arriving. Makelele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team.”It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. “This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”However, according to WalesOnline’s Glen Williams, Makelele is “not under consideration” for the vacant role with the Bluebirds.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlaven Bilic is currently favourite with the bookies to take on the role in South Wales.Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher, and Ruben Selles have also been linked with the job. More

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      Bruno Fernandes takes swipe at Man Utd as he reveals he prefers playing for Portugal and the food is better

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has suggested that he prefers playing for Portugal over Manchester United.The 30-year-old admitted today that United’s current situation is “not positive”.Bruno Fernandes has suggested he prefers playing for PortugalCredit: EPAThe midfielder has endured a difficult start to the season with UnitedCredit: GettyThe Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League table with just eight points from seven games.They have also managed just two points from two in the Europa League.And the situation was made worse last week when club captain Fernandes received a red card against Porto.Amid the ongoing chaos at Old Trafford, the midfielder now considers international duty with Portugal a nice break away.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “It’s not a positive moment. We’re not winning games and the national team space is completely different.”I’ve felt very at ease, the dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.”It’s a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.”Fernandes went on to add: “It’s about improving as soon as I get there [Manchester].Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Making the goals appear again because I’m a midfielder that scores a lot of goals and has over the years always shown a very high level of goals.”I have to live up to those expectations and to my standards. What I’ve been doing is not at all what I want for this season because I haven’t scored at the club yet.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs Tottenham”I hope that once I get there, I can score and help my club get back to winning ways and be at a good level.”Man Utd next face Brentford in the Premier League after the international break. More

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      Premier League set for THREE major broadcast changes with revolutionary new-look features including mid-match interviews

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      THE Premier League is set for THREE major broadcast changes, according to reports. And the new-look features would transform the way fans watch matches on TV.Broadcasters could get extra access to players and managers with new rulesCredit: GettyCameras in the dressing room could provide plenty more insightIt is suggested half-time interviews with a player or coach will be introduced.Interviews with players who have been subbed off and broadcasts inside the dressing room will also be added to the programming. Reports claim clubs must choose one of the three options for each Premier League game. Currently, media access to players is reserved for after matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Sky Sports and TNT Sports usually speak to one or two stars as part of their live broadcast programme – as well as Match of the Day.At least one player from every team is put up to speak to Premier League Productions.For the written press, they are not guaranteed to speak to any players – even though the footballers are obliged to go through the mixed zone.For the managers, though, they must speak to both the broadcast and written media. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGames that are live on TV usually see the pundits and presenter chat to the gaffers ahead of kick-off, too. But access to managers and players has historically been strictly off limits from kick-off to the full-time whistle. Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man UtdHowever, Sky Sports did speak to Marcus Tavernier late on in Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton on September 30. The unprecedented changes would give extra insight while the matches are going on.In other sports such as rugby and NFL, TV cameras have access to the changing rooms and regularly interview stars or coaches on the sidelines to get their verdict on how things are going. And football fans would no doubt relish the additional broadcast changes.One said on X: “It could add some excitement and insight during the matches.”Another wrote: “Interesting changes! It’ll be fun to hear insights right from the pitch!”A third added: “This is beautiful.”A fourth quipped: “United footage from the dressing room is going to hit numbers.”And a fifth joked: “Imagine being 5-0 down at half-time then you see journalists coming your way to ask you questions…”But others felt other changes were more pressing.One suggested: “We need post-match referee interviews before all this other nonsense.”Another replied: “Clubs will likely just send a player out at half-time for a generic interview. ‘Game of two halves’, ‘try and get the next goal’, ‘defend properly’ etc.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third typed: “This ain’t necessary.”And a final user simply responded: “No one wants this.”Extra access to Premier League stars would be a major draw for many fansCredit: Twitter / @footballontntPlayers only currently speak to the media after full-timeCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Referees are going after me because I’m playing in their home and they’re hurt’

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      MARC Cucurella believes English crowds and referees are out to get him – after his exploits at Euro 2024. The Chelsea full-back helped Spain to a 2-1 win over Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in July’s Euros final. Marc Cucurella believes England is still “hurting” after Euro 2024 heartbreakCredit: GettyThe Chelsea full-back has picked up five bookings in just seven games this seasonCredit: AFPThe 26-year-old helped Spain beat England in July’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: ReutersCucurella proved to be a divisive figure in the Spanish camp during their run to glory. German fans roundly booed him throughout the knockout stages after a penalty incident in the quarter-finals.The 26-year-old began the Euros being branded Spain’s “weak link” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.But he had the last laugh, being named in Uefa’s Team of the Tournament and assisting Mikel Oyarzabal’s dramatic late winner against England. READ MORE ON CHELSEAVideo of Cucurella singing during Spain’s raucous celebrations quickly went viral after taming the Three Lions. He stood on top of a table, serenading his teammates with a fan song about drinking beer and besting Man City striker Erling Haaland.Since returning for the new season, Cucurella has made just seven appearances for Chelsea. He has picked up five yellow cards in the process – as well as receiving plenty of lip from the terraces – leaving him convinced the English game holds a grudge.Most read in FootballThe Blues star told Spanish outlet COPE: “You have more impact – people know you more [after winning the Euros]. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Being champion of the Euros is historic and you will always take it with you.“I’ve already been suspended for five yellow cards and I’ve committed [only a] few fouls.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed'”They’re going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away. “It’s normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I’m playing at their home.”It’s normal, they’re hurt.”Cucurella began his career at Barcelona, but failed to break into the first team at the Nou Camp. He forged a career at Getafe before moving to the Premier League in 2021 to join Brighton. Cucurella was filmed dancing and singing following Spain’s historic winCredit: XHis lightning-fast counter-attacks and flowing locks made him an instant cult hero on the South Coast.And the Seagulls made a huge profit on the full-back as Chelsea swooped with a £55million offer in August 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESCucurella picked up his most recent booking in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. He will now miss the Blues Premier League clash with Liverpool on October 20. More

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      Emotional moment England star Dean Henderson stands alone during minute’s silence for former team-mate George Baldock

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      ENGLAND keeper Dean Henderson stood alone during Wembley’s minute’s silence for his former team-mate George Baldock.Baldock was found dead in his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night when he drowned in his swimming pool at the age of 31.Dean Henderson stood alone during the minute’s silence at WembleyGeorge Baldock tragically passed away on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe period of silence was observed at Wembley on Thursday night before Greece claimed a shock 2-1 win over England.Before the match, as the hush descended over the ground, Three Lions keeper Henderson was seen standing on his own.Henderson spent two years with Baldock at Sheffield United during a loan spell from Manchester United.They earned the club promotion to the Premier League in 2019 after finishing second in the Championship.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCKAnd Henderson paid tribute to Baldock prior to the match.Speaking on Instagram, he said: “Devastated to hear the news today.”A friend, great teammate, great player and also a great family man.”Sending all my love to all the family. RIP brother ❤️.”Most read in FootballGeorge 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)ITV pundits Roy Keane and Ian Wright also paid tribute to Baldock ahead of England’s clash with Greece.Wright, 60, worked with Baldock while working as a first-team coach at MK Dons under Karl Robinson.Watch Greece captain’s spine-tingling speech about George Baldock in dressing room that inspired win over England The Arsenal legend said: “Terrible news, shocking news. In this time you cannot help but think about his friends and family, family obviously.”It was devastating news. I spoke to Karl Robinson last night, he was devastated.”Asked what sort of character Baldock was, Wright added: “Hard-working, determined.”Obviously like you mentioned it was down at MK Dons and he was somebody you always thought, the way he applied himself, he was probably going to go to where he wanted to get to, the Premier League.”And he did. Like I say, I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”On how hard it would be for the England and Greece players who knew Baldock, ex-Man Utd captain Keane added: “It will be. It’ll be a big shock to the players of course.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I remember watching a lot of him at Sheffield United, very tenacious, played with huge energy and was always up for a battle.”But the players will have to react, they’re professional. And they’ll have to go out and try to put on a good performance for him.”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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      Chelsea transfer target opens up on failed move and says ‘God didn’t want it’ but admits he was ‘close to signing’

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      CHELSEA transfer target Samu Omodorion reveals he came close to joining in the summer but believes God did not want it to happen.The striker was subject to transfer interest throughout the window and eventually joined Porto on loan from Atletico Madrid.Samu Omorodion has opened up about his failed move to ChelseaCredit: ReutersHe has got off to a good start at his new club with seven goals in seven games, including three in the Europa League.Omorodion, 20, expressed his gratitude to Porto for giving him an opportunity and suggested his proposed move to Chelsea just was not meant to be.He told Spanish outlet RTVE: “I had a very difficult summer.”We had a really bad time because in the end everyone knows that I was close to signing, but it’s true that if it didn’t happen, it was for a reason, because God didn’t want it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m also very grateful to Porto for giving me the opportunity when things looked at their worst, and I’m very happy with where I am now. “I’ve left the past behind and now I’m focused on what’s coming to me.”Chelsea were reported to be interested in securing a deal for Omorodion when they were trying to push through Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico.The Spanish side were in need of cash to sign the midfielder so looked set to sanction a £35million sale of Omodorion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever the move collapsed after Chelsea reportedly tried to buy 50 per cent of Omorodion’s image rights.Omorodion later joined Porto with the Blues signing another Atletico star Joao Felix instead.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squad More