Oct 10, 2024, 01:00 PM ET

British-born Panathinaikos and Greece defender George Baldock, who spent seven seasons at Sheffield United, has been found dead in his Athens home. He was 31.

Police said Baldock’s body was found late Wednesday in his swimming pool in the southern suburb of Glyfada. The cause of death was not immediately clear.

Police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou said there is no initial indication the death was suspicious.

She told The Associated Press on Thursday that the coroner who examined the body “informed us that there is no evidence of a criminal act.”

She added: “The house too was searched by the criminal investigations directorate. It doesn’t seem that a criminal act took place but the investigation is continuing for any eventuality.”

ERT television said the coroner determined drowning as the cause of death, but Dimoglidou was not immediately able to confirm that.

Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the 31-year-old former Premier League player but could not revive him, a police official said.

The time of death was recorded as 10 p.m. local time (7 p.m. GMT).

“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away,” a reported family statement read. “As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”

George Baldock joined Panathinaikos after seven years at Sheffield United. Michael Regan/Getty Images

Baldock, who was of Greek ancestry and was capped 12 times for the country, joined Panathinaikos in May from Sheffield United after the English side were relegated from the top flight.

Sheffield United said in a statement: “The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates 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.”

He also played for lower league sides MK Dons and Oxford United.

Baldock made four appearances for Panathinaikos, including a 0-0 draw with local rivals Olympiakos last weekend, but had not been selected for Greece’s Nations League squad for a game against England at Wembley on Thursday.

“With deep sadness and pain, the national team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock,” the Greek team said on Facebook.

“There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye.”

England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United player, posted a photograph of Baldock on Instagram with a broken heart emoji. Other former teammates, including goalkepeer Dean Henderson, have also paid tribute to Baldock.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin also sent his condolences.

Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.