Dele Alli pays heartbreaking eight-word tribute to close pal George Baldock after tragic death

Dele Alli has paid tribute to George Baldock after his tragic death with a powerful message on .

The ex-Sheffield United defender was found dead in a swimming pool by the owner of his Greek villa after his wife was unable to contact him on Wednesday evening. Baldock left English soil in the summer to join Panathinaikos but was just 31 when he died.

Baldock began his career at MK Dons alongside the now free agent. Both men went on to pursue different paths in their careers but remain close friends with Dele posting a heartfelt tribute on his social media.

He said, alongside an old Instagram post of the two: "I love you. Rest in peace my brother".

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Alli and Baldock's social media accounts both feature pictures of the pair dating back years. They've previously gone away in the summer do train together and retained a strong bond despite their playing days taking them in different directions.

Dele is one of several players to pay their respects to the former defender, who had also been capped numerous times by . , who played previously at Sheffield United, was among those to pay tribute. Kyle Walker-Peters, who has also been pictured in summer trips alongside Dele and Baldock, paid his own message of respect.

A number of Baldock's former clubs have paid their own respects, including his most recent employers Panathinaikos. The Greek side said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”

Baldock's most recent English side, the Blades, said: "Sheffield United Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock. The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him."

Baldock begun his career at MK Dons and would make 125 appearances for the club. Whilst there, especially as a young player, he enjoyed several loan spells away at the likes of Northampton, Oxford, non-league side Tamworth and Icelandic outfit IBV.

His family have said: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time."