James McAtee dedicated both his goals for England's under-21s to former team-mate and "special person" George Baldock following his shock death.
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Baldock found dead in his poolMcAtee scores brace for England U21sDedicates goals to "special" BaldockFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
McAtee became good friends with Baldock as he spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United. Two days after the 31-year-old was found dead in his pool in Greece, the Manchester City player paid tribute to his old team-mate during his brace against Ukraine's under-21s. The emotional 21-year-old also revealed Baldock "looked after him" during his time with the Blades.
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He said: "I've been speaking to some of my old team-mates and it's been hard to talk to them to be honest. Even when I left [Sheffield United] he was still texting me, asking if I needed anything. When I was there he welcomed me with open arms, he looked after me. I played for him and for what he gave me. Everyone knows that he's a special player and a special person. I'm really emotional right now and wishing his family the best. It's been a tough week."
He added: "I was desperate to score. When I did it was in honour of George. Luckily I've been here with my mates with England but I've been keeping him in my mind."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The football community has been rocked by the passing of Baldock, with tributes abound for the Greek international. The Panathinaikos defender was due to fly back to England for his son's first birthday but drowned in the pool – making this even more tragic.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Baldock's body is expected to be flown back to the United Kingdom this weekend following his shock passing. The right-back made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons with Sheffield United.