Panathinaikos to make touching gesture to George Baldock's family after tragic death

Panathinaikos are likely to honour George Baldock's contract as they prepare to support his grieving family after .

The former Sheffield United defender's death shocked the football last Wednesday, when his body was in . Baldock made the move to Athens in the summer and had only just begun his stint with the Greek Super League outfit.

Baldock was just 31 when he died and insiders say Panathinaikos are determined to stick by their strong values with their compassionate owner ready to support their former player's heartbroken fiancee and one-year-old son.

reports that the Greek side are likely to honour the full contract of the player whilst also looking to stage a benefit match next year with the financial rewards set to go to his family, who have asked for privacy as they deal with the news.

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His family said last week: "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."

Baldock's partner sounded the alarm when she had been unable to contact him for a number of hours. Emergency services were sent to the property with the player's body found in the swimming pool. A post-mortem confirmed he had drowned but investigations remain ongoing.

Baldock's final game for Panathinaikos was on October 6 against Olympiakos. His former club 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 had earned 12 caps for Greece and, just 24 hours after the news of his death broke, the Greeks secured their first ever win over England. Vangelis Pavlidis scored twice at Wembley - including a last minute winner - and the players hailed their former team-mate.

He said: "It was a very special day and match for us. Our thoughts are with George. We are professionals and had to play the match. We gave our soul for him tonight. Today is not a day to talk about football. He was part of our team. We will miss him very much. Also to wish strength to his family and not talk about football. The whole day was numb. We won tonight and don't want to celebrate. There are just no words."

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