George Baldock’s heartbreaking goodbye message after quitting Premier League resurfaces

George Baldock had just spent five months at his new club Panathinaikos before his death, having left Sheffield United on a free transfer, he provided a touching message in his farewell interview with the Blades.

George Baldock’s goodbye letter to Sheffield United supporters has resurfaced following his untimely death in Greece at the age of 31, in which he stated that their support was “more than he ever expected” before joining Panathinaikos.

Baldock’s death startled the football world as he was discovered in a swimming pool at his house in Greece, with his wife reportedly unable to contact him after many hours.

After his corpse was discovered, emergency services were summoned, and a doctor from the response unit confirmed that he had sadly died before the news broke on Wednesday evening.

Baldock had only been at his new club Panathinaikos for five months before his death, having left Sheffield United on a free transfer, and in his final interview with the Blades, he left a sad letter reminiscing on his time there.

‘To all Sheffield United supporters, a tremendous thank you from me,’ he added. “You have been simply fantastic. Your help has gone far beyond anything I could have imagined. You are the greatest around.

“Keep supporting the squad and the staff, and maybe the club will return to where we all want it to be. I depart as a huge admirer of the club. Good luck, and thank you.”

He became a fan favourite at Bramall Lane after playing 219 games for the club and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League twice.

A family statement confirmed Baldock’s death, saying: “We regret to inform you that George has died away. As a family, we are devastated by this tragic loss. We respectfully request that the media respect our privacy at this time,” stated a family statement immediately after word of Baldock’s death broke.

“I leave here as a fan of the club.” ⚔️

A message from George Baldock 🌟 pic.twitter.com/T26chmRR8h

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 20, 2024

Sheffield United also paid homage, saying: “Sheffield United Football Club is surprised and very sorry to learn of the death of former player George Baldock. The defender departed the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was well-liked by fans, staff, and teammates who wore red and white shirts with him.

“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”

Panathinaikos continued, “We are shocked by the death of beloved George. Panathinaikos’ family mourns his sudden demise. We join the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”

Baldock began his career with the Milton Keynes Dons, making 125 games before joining the Blades in 2017. He qualified to play for Greece through his grandmother and has 12 caps for the national team.