Chelsea and Panathinaikos paid a heartfelt tribute to George Baldock ahead of their clash in the Europa Conference League.
Thursday night’s clash at the Athens Olympic Stadium was Panathinaikos’ first home match since the former Sheffield United star tragically lost his life earlier this month.
Both teams held a minute’s silence in the middle of the pitch as fans held aloft signs with the number 32 on them.
It was the number Baldock wore for the Greek club, while the stadium erupted with noise in celebration of his life after the whistle blew.
Panathinaikos fans paid tribute to George Baldock
Reuters
Baldock was found dead at his home in Athens on October 9 after drowning in his pool.
The defender was set to jet back to the United Kingdom to celebrate his son’s first birthday.
All the players are wearing black armbands as well in memory of Baldock.
The big screen at the stadium also showed up a picture of the right-back with the message: “Forever with us.”
Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos in the summer after seven years at Sheffield United, where he helped them win promotion to the Premier League on two occasions.
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The right-back moved to Greece, who he played for internationally despite being born in England as he qualified through his grandmother.
He played 12 times for Greece and the national team paid their own tribute to him ahead of their match against England earlier this month in the Nations League, which they won 2-1 at Wembley.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, former Manchester United and Panathinaikos winger Facundo Pellistri said: “It was a shock, a shock news, not only for the club and for the country but also for the world.
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George Baldock tragically his life earlier this month
PA
“For us, it was a very sad moment and we are trying all together, the club, the team mates, to fight for him on the pitch, you have to keep going, you have to try to do it the best way as possible.”
“We talk all together, we always try to think about how George will want us to be now and we’re trying to play for him.
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Panathinaikos and Chelsea players joined in a minute’s silence for George Baldock
Reuters
“He 100 per cent will be happy if we do our best on the pitch and try to keep going so of course, we’re all together with him.
“Because we believe he is still with us and try to achieve all the tournaments and everything.”