Former Italy and AC Milan great Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, Milan said on Friday.
    "The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi," Milan said via X.
    "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".
    A cultured player who could start attacks as we as stopping them, Baresi is considered one of the greatest defenders of all time.
    A one-club man who played as a sweeper and a centre back, he made 719 appearances for Milan between his debut aged 17 in 1977 and his retirement in 1997, helping them win three European Cup/Champions League titles and six Serie A crowns, among other trophies.
    He also helped Milan twice return to the top flight after two relegations in the early 1980s before Silvio Berlusconi took over the club and brought in the players that would make them world-beaters.
    Baresi helped Italy win the 1982 World Cup and captained the team that came runners-up in 1994.
    AC Milan did not give the cause of death.
    Baresi had an operation to remove a lung nodule last year.
   
   

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA