Greek club Panathinaikos are reportedly planning an amazing gesture for the family of former player George Baldock following his tragic and sudden death.
Former Premier League defender Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Glyfada, southern Athens on October 9.
The 31-year-old joined Panathinaikos in the summer from Sheffield United, following the Yorkshire club’s relegation from the top flight last season.
And now, a new report has claimed that the Greek side are preparing an incredible gesture to honour the family of the Englishman.
According to The Daily Mail, sources close to Panathinaikos have confirmed that the club are considering honouring the full contract of Baldock to support his family.
The defender joined the Greek club during the summer, singing a three-year deal after making 219 appearances for the Blades.
The sources claim that Panathinaikos holds strong values and is lead by a compassionate owner who is determined to support Baldock’s fiancé and one-year-old son.
The report also claims that Panathinaikos are considering holding a special benefit match next year on top of paying out Baldock’s contract to further aid his young family.
The right-back made four appearances for his new club, including their most recent fixture against Olympiakos just three days before his body was discovered.
News of Baldock’s tragic death was confirmed by the Greek Super League with a statement late on Wednesday evening.
“The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” read the statement.
Sheffield United and the Greece national team have both paid tribute to George Baldock during matches this week. (Image: Getty)
While the exact circumstances leading to Baldock’s death are not yet known, Kathimerini report that a medical examiner has given his cause of death as ‘drowning in water’.
After several attempts to contact him without any response, Baldock’s wife, who remains in England with their son, contacted the owner of the house in Glyfada that he was living in.
The landlord went to the property and reportedly discovered Baldock unconscious and wearing swimming trunks in the pool.
Attempts were made to revive him, but a doctor later pronounced Baldock as deceased.