The cause of death of a professional footballer from Buckinghamshire has been confirmed.

George Baldock, who hailed from Buckingham and played for the likes of Milton Keynes, Oxford United, Northampton Town and Sheffield United (the latter in the Premier League), passed away suddenly on October 9 at the age of just 31.

Initial reports suggested that the right-back, who had been capped 12 times by the Greek National Team, was found in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada.

It has since been confirmed that Baldock, who spent three years in the top-flight for Sheffield, had tragically drowned.

Authorities in Greece said there ‘are no indications of foul play’.

Baldock had spent the last seven years at Sheffield United, three of which were in the Premier League, before departing the Blades to join Greek outfit Panathinaikos in the summer.

He had only played four times for the Shamrocks, with his last game for the club being in the side’s 0-0 draw versus Olympiakos on October 6 – three days before his death.

A statement from his family reads: "We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens.

“George, you were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.

“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those who adored you from the stands.

“We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.

“You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

“As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.

“It was impossible not to love him.

“We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief."

Numerous tributes across the football community have been left for the late right-back, with all of his former clubs writing heartfelt messages.

Baldock played 453 games during his career, two of which were against Wycombe Wanderers.

Both games took place in 2015 at Adams Park.

The first, which was on Good Friday, resulted in a 3-2 win for Oxford United where he picked up a yellow card, whilst the second took place in December of that year, which the Chairboys won 2-1.