Former U’s favourite set for European football next season

FORMER Oxford United loan favourite George Baldock is set for European football next season after signing for Greek Cup champions Panathinaikos.

The 31-year-old right back was released by Sheffield United and joins Panathinaikos on a three-year deal.

Baldock has played 12 times for Greece, eligible for the country through his grandmother.

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He told the Panathinaikos website: “I wanted to change teams and goals, after seven years at Sheffield United.

“Essentially, I was looking for a great opportunity in my career and Panathinaikos gave it to me. When I learned of the interest from Panathinaikos, I was excited and everything happened very quickly.

“Something inside me gave me a particularly positive aura about Panathinaikos’ outlook. It probably relates to the stories of my father, who has Greek roots, and the first football game he watched in his life was at the home of Panathinaikos in a league match.

“I could have gone to other leagues, but I chose Panathinaikos because I want to play in a leading team, win titles, and play in European competitions.”

After beating Aris 1-0 in the Greek Cup final, Panathinaikos, who finished fourth in the top flight, sealed a place in the Europa League next season.

Baldock initially joined United on loan from MK Dons in February 2015, starting a dozen games and scoring once.

He then returned to the U’s on a season-long loan the following campaign, but was recalled by MK Dons in January 2016.