Italian club Milan announced the death of Franco Baresi, legend of the club and the Italian national team.
Baresi died at the age of 66.
A year ago, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and began a course of immunotherapy.
Baresi is considered the historic captain of Milan and the wearer of the number 6 jersey, which was retired after his retirement.
He played 719 matches for the Rossoneri over 19 seasons in the 1980s and 1990s.
The club wrote in its statement
Announcing the passing of someone who embodied the spirit and heart of AC Milan is extremely difficult. But every individual in the club, and every Milan fan, must honor the memory of Franco Baresi.
We must be strong and gather all our energies, even in these difficult times. We lost Franco a few months after his last public appearance at the packed San Siro stadium, at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, an international event that helped make it unforgettable.
In honor of Franco’s memory, we stand united, knowing that he will guide and inspire us throughout our journey with the Rossoneri. Forever. Because Baresi is eternal.
La Storia del Milan è in lacrime per la scomparsa di Franco Baresi. Il suo esempio e la sua profondità saranno, per sempre come la sua maglia numero 6, parte integrante e fondamentale del DNA e del cammino di tutto il Club. Le condoglianze che AC Milan porge alla famiglia tutta… pic.twitter.com/a8wNOCUc2o@acmilan
During his career, Baresi won 6 Italian league titles and 3 UEFA Champions League titles.
He also won the 1982 World Cup with Italy and lost the 1994 final to Brazil.
Baresi retired in 1997 and has been honorary president of Milan since October 2020.
He also played twice for Milan in the second division and won the title in the 1981 and 1983 seasons.
He also won 4 Italian Super Cups, 2 European Super Cups, and 3 Intercontinental Cups.
He finished as runner-up for the 1989 Ballon d’Or behind Marco van Basten.
He was included in the 1990 World Cup Team of the Tournament, named Milan’s best player of the last century, and among FIFA’s 100 best players in football history in 2004.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also mourned Baresi’s death
With the passing of Franco Baresi, Italy has lost not only one of the greatest champions in its sporting history, but also an example of loyalty, seriousness, and dedication.
As captain of AC Milan and the national team, he wore the same colors throughout his career, embodying loyalty as a core value and the captain’s armband as a responsibility.
He proved that one can become a legend without ceasing to be a role model, both on and off the pitch.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his fans, and everyone who loved him.
Con la scomparsa di Franco Baresi, l'Italia perde non solo uno dei più grandi campioni della sua storia sportiva, ma anche un esempio di lealtà, serietà e dedizione.@GiorgiaMeloni
Meanwhile, Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who shared the defense with him during his time at Milan, wrote on his Instagram account
Hello Franco, today I feel the same emotions I felt when, for one reason or another, you couldn’t take the pitch alongside us: how will we manage without our captain?
You taught me to play until my last breath, the meaning of attachment to the jersey, and the value of being a true captain. You did it through example, every day: few words, but many actions.
You protected me as a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as a man. You were the strongest footballer I had the honor of playing with.
I send my kisses to all members of your family, especially your wife Maura and your sons Edoardo and Gianandrea.
I will miss you, captain. But in the light of your star, I will continue to walk beside you forever.
