The international soccer world on Friday paid homage to Franco Baresi after the great former Italy and AC Milan defender died aged 66.

    "A timeless captain.

A timeless story," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said via X.
    "Franco Baresi was, is, and will be eternal".
    UEFA hailed Baresi as "one of the game's greatest defenders," pointing out that he won, among other trophies, three European Cups and two UEFA Super Cups as well as representing Italy on 81 occasions.
    "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former team-mates," European soccer's governing body said in a social-media post.
    Former Germany and Inter forward Karl Heinz Rummenigge was among the former opponents of Baresi to pay tribute.
    "Football has lost one of the greatest defenders and most important captains in its history," Rummenigge told ANSA.
    "I realized right from the first derbies that I was up against an extraordinary defender.
    "Franco embodied leadership, fair play, and sheer class," added Rummenigge, who had many memorable tussles with Baresi in the 1980s, including a 1985 match in which a collision left him with a shin wound requiring 12 stitches.
    "He left an indelible mark on Milan and on Italian football".
    Members of the current AC Milan squad paid their respects too.
    "Your legacy will live on forever, thank you Captain," Portugal winger Rafael Leão, who is currently in Australia for Milan's summer tour, said in an Instagram story.
    The news of Baresi's passing also moved ordinary soccer fans all over the world.
    "RIP Franco Baresi," Steve Kiley, a supporter of newly promoted Premier League team Coventry and a former player who was once a promising full back, told ANSA.
    "What a terrible shame".

    (See related stories on Baresi's death)
   

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