GREECE captain Tasos Bakasetas delivered a spine-tingling speech dedicated to the late great George Baldock that inspired his team-mates to victory against England before stepping out at Wembley.
Baldock was found dead at his home in Glyfada on Wednesday night at the age of 31 plunging the entire English and Greek football community into mourning.
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The Sheffield United legend’s team-mates were in London when the news broke and were left devastated ahead of Thursday’s crunch Nations League clash with the Three Lions.
However, Bakasetas, 31, took it upon himself to lift his team-mates’ spirits with a powerful pre-match speech in the dressing room.
The Panathinaikos star, who also played with Baldock for the Athenian club, described the Buckingham-born ace as an “example” that would even sacrifice his physical well-being for the team.
The playmaker then went on to order his team-mates to return the favour to the full-back once stepping onto England‘s hallowed ground and “sacrifice” themselves.
Bakasetas stated: “We know very well what kind of team we are because we earned our way.
“We have no one to fear and we should show it from the first minute. We know the game’s importance. Many of us know who George is and what kind of a man he was.
“George was always an example for this team. Because many times he left his soul on the pitch. He prioritised the team team above all else and he even sacrificed his physical wellbeing.
“And tonight in this game he will be our example. Each and everyone of us will sacrifice ourselves to honour him exactly as he deserves. Let’s all be ready. Let’s go!”
Greece went on to produce an incredible performance as they beat England for the first time ever and picked their first ever victory at Wembley.
Vangelis Pavlidis scored a stunning brace to break the Three Lions’ hearts and deliver a hammer blow to interim boss Lee Carsley’s hopes of replacing Gareth Southgate full-time.
Pavlidis and his team-mates dedicated both goals to Baldock as they lifted their black armbands and pointed to the heavens.
However, there was no celebration at full-time, instead the visitors lined up in front of the away end with Baldock’s jersey in an emotional scene that saw many break down in tears.
Pavlidis refused to talk about the game in his post-match interview and instead paid tribute to the MK Dons great.
The Benfica star said: “It was a very peculiar day. Our thoughts are with George. The game was not postponed, we are here and [we are] professionals, we played, we gave our souls for him.
“[These are] Very difficult times, it was a peculiar match because of that happened with George. It’s not a day to talk about football, he was part of our team and all I can say is he’s going to be sorely missed, we wish strength to his family.
“The whole day was silent, even now, we can’t say much. A picture is worth a thousand words, there are no words.”
Paying tribute to Baldock
Bakasetas, who was reduced to tears at full-time, echoed is team-mate’s statement as he paid homage to Baldock’s character and professionalism.
The ex-Trabzonspor star even shared two anecdotal stories that showed how dedicated the defender was to the national team.
Bakasetas said: “I’m very proud to have these team-mates. We want to dedicate this game to George and his family This way we will try and give them some strength.
“It’s a game that shouldn’t have happened in my opinion. It’s not a day we can talk more about football. George today was our guide. He always put the team above all else.
“In France last summer he played with an ankle banged up and still delivered for the team.
“And against Georgia [in the final of the Euro 2024 play-off qualifying round] he was hurt and knew he would get injured but fought with doctors so that he can play and left it all on the pitch.
“We thank him for everything. We wish strength to his family.”
