Paolo Maldini paid tribute to his former teammate Franco Baresi on Friday after the all-time great Italy and AC Milan defender died at the age of 66.
    "Ciao Franco, today I feel the same way as I did when, for whatever reason, you couldn't take the field alongside us: what will we do without our Captain?," Maldini said via Instagram.
    "You taught me to fight until my very last breath, what it means to be truly devoted to the jersey and the value of being a real leader," added Maldini who, like Baresi, spent his whole career with AC Milan.
    "You led by example, every single day: few words, but lots of action.
    "You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult.
    "You were the greatest footballer I ever had the honour of playing with.
    "I send a warm embrace to your entire family, especially your wife Maura and your sons, Edoardo and Giannandrea.
    "We will miss you, Captain.
    "But the light of your star will continue to guide us forever".
    Former Inter captain Javier Zanetti was also among the soccer stars to pay their respects.
    "Club icon, captain, legend.

Number 6 forever.

Safe journey, Franco," Zanetti said in a Instagram post featuring of photo of him with Baresi bringing out the Champions League trophy at the final of the competition at the San Siro in 2016.
   

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