Serie A club, AC Milan, has announced the death of Italian football legend, Franco Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.
AC Milan disclosed that Baresi’s death is devastating news for the country and world football at large, adding that the player who captained the side during his playing days, was an example of integrity, and would be forever etched into the club’s history.
”Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi,” reads a statement by the Rossonerri, following the passing of the player on Friday.
”His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.
”In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossineri journey. Forever, Because Baresi is forever,” it added.
The deceased, who played as a defender, spent entire 20-year playing career with the club from 1977 until he retired in 1977, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.
With the San Siro outfit, he made 719 appearances and scored 33 goals, captaining the side for 15 seasons.
Internationally, Baresi had 81 caps for the Italian national team, becoming one of the country’s 1982 squad that won the World Cup in 1982, albeit, losing in another final of the competition as he captained the Azurris to the 1994 FIFA World Cup which the side lost on penalties to Brazil, the player one of those that missed their penalty kick during shoot-outs.
The legend had surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule, and last had a public appearance at the Giuseppe Mezea for the Winter Olympics ceremony in February.