VANGELIS PAVLIDIS dedicated his match-winning double for Greece against England to the late George Baldock, adding: “We gave our soul.”
Pavlidis netted both goals in his nation’s 2-1 win at Wembley on Thursday, with the winner coming deep into injury time.
It sparked major celebrations among Greek fans and players as Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley was left with his head in his hands.
And Pavlidis has now revealed that Baldock’s tragic passing has been at the forefront of his mind ever since the sad news broke on Wednesday.
Baldock, 31, was found dead in a swimming pool in Greece after his wife raised the alarm.
The defender, who was born in Buckingham, played 12 times for Greece through his grandmother.
And Baldock was in the country after leaving Sheffield United for Super Lig outfit Panathinaikos over the summer.
England and Greece both paid tribute to the right-back before kick-off last night.
And Pavlidis claimed he and teammates “gave our soul” for Baldock on the Wembley turf as they paid tribute by holding up his shirt.
He said: "It is a very particular day, our thoughts since last night have been with George. We are professionals, we had to play.
"We gave our soul for him. Condolences to the family.
"Today is not a day to talk about football. He was a part of the team, we will miss me.
"This is not a day to speak about a football, this is a day to be silent and honour his family. We will miss him.
"The whole day was silent, even now it's silent. We won and can't enjoy it. We can't say much. There are no words for this. I don't know what to say. [We slept] As much as we could [last night]."
Tasos Bakasetas, captain of Greece, added: "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 played for the team.
"And against Georgia [Euro 2024 play off qualifying final] he was hurt and knew he would get injured and fought with doctors so that he can play and left it all on the pitch. He had to come off at 60 minutes.
"We thank him for everything. We wish strength to his family."