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

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

“We are heartbroken by the sudden passing 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, fiancée, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those who were fortunate enough to know you and those who adored you from the stands. We will cherish the special memories we have of you forever and you will live on in your beautiful son. You were supposed to fly home today to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

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