An update on the terribly sad news of George Baldock’s death. The former Sheffield United defender drowned while swimming in the pool at his home in Athens, his family said in a statement.

The England-born Greece international’s death was confirmed on Wednesday evening at the age of 31.

“We are heartbroken at the sudden death of our beloved George. “We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has revealed that George tragically drowned while swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens,” said a statement from Baldock’s family.

“George, you were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those who were lucky enough to know you and those who adored you in the stands. We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will live on in your beautiful son. You should have flown home today so we could celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

“As a family it was incredibly touching, but it was also very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those who knew George and those whose lives he touched. It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you continue to respect our privacy during this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”