Football icon Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66 leaving the world of sport in mourning for one of the best players of all time.
The incredible former AC Milan and Italy centre-back won six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues in a glittering career and the 1982 World Cup. He came through the Italian giants youth set-up before making a staggering 716 appearances for his boyhood club in a career spanning 20 years and was the lynchpin of legendary manager Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello’s all-conquering sides in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He had been unwell for some time and underwent lung surgery next year after being diagnosed with a pulmonary nodulation. In a heartbreaking statement, AC Milan said: “Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
“We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times. We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage he helped make unforgettable.
“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
Such was the prestige of Baresi at AC Milan, the Rossoneri retired his no.6 shirt when he called time on his illustrious career in 1997.
In a short statement on X, the club also said: “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi.
“His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is. The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”
Rival Serie A clubs also paid tribute to Baresi in showing of solidarity with AC Milan. In a statement, Juventus said: “There are people who, with their talent, enter history. And others who, with their humanity, remain there forever.
“Franco Baresi was both. Class, style, leadership, and respect on and off the field. An example for generations of players and fans, loved and admired by all football enthusiasts.
“His memory will live on forever. Juventus Football Club stands in solidarity with the Baresi family and @acmilan in this moment of profound sorrow.”
Inter Milan also paid tribute. In a statement, the club wrote: “Farewell to Franco Baresi, protagonist of the great clashes in the Milan Derby and one of the figures who most defined the history of the rivalry.
“Captain, team man, and flag bearer of AC Milan, he lived every matchup with Inter between competition and respect, within a challenge that wrote unforgettable pages of Italian soccer.
“President Giuseppe Marotta and all of FC Internazionale Milano stand in solidarity with the Baresi family, brother Beppe, and AC Milan in this moment of grief.
Just two days before the tragic announcement of his death, Milan were forced to issue a statement denying he had passed away after previous speculation online.
The club tweeted: “AC Milan denies the false reports concernin”g Franco Baresi that have begun circulating in recent minutes. Franco is going through a difficult and delicate time, and the Club stands firmly alongside him and his family. We urge everyone to respect their privacy and refrain from spreading entirely unfounded information.”
Sky Sports once asked former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to name the best performance from a centre-back in a single match.
He said: “It’s [Baresi] in the 1994 World Cup final v Brazil! Up against Romario [and] Bebeto in his first game back after a knee op which he had after the [first] game of the tournament!”
Baresi was outstanding in that match, helping the Azzurri keep a clean sheet against one of Brazil’s best ever sides, before the Azzuri lost the game on penalties.