AC Milan announced the death of their legend Franco Baresi at the age of 66. He was one of the most prominent players of his generation and a symbol of the golden era of Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s.
AC Milan, the only club he played for throughout his career, was the first to announce the tragic news with a touching message that read: "The entire history of AC Milan mourns the death of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will forever be engraved in the club's DNA, just as his legendary number 6 jersey will remain."
The statement continued, "The Milan family extends its deepest condolences to the Baresi family at this difficult time, feelings shared by all Rossoneri fans who feel that this loss is personal to them."
Baresi's loss is not limited to Milan alone, but extends to the whole of world football, as he is considered one of the greatest defenders in history. His status as captain of Milan and the Italian national team has transcended the borders of his country and he has become an eternal symbol of the game.
Milan retired his number 6 jersey at the end of his career, making him the first player in the club's history to receive this honor.
Baresi spent his entire professional career with Milan over 20 years between 1977 and 1997, with the number 6 shirt becoming part of his identity, and he captained the team for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997.
With the Italian national team, Baresi won the World Cup title in Spain in 1982, and to this day he remains the only player in history to have achieved first, second and third place in the World Cup, as he won the title in 1982, finished third in the 1990 World Cup in Italy and then runner-up in the United States in 1994.
