Franco Baresi, legend of Italian football and AC Milan, died today at the age of 66, announced the Italian club for whom the former defender won 21 titles.
“In memory of Franco, we remain united, knowing that he will guide and drive us throughout our entire Rossonera journey. Forever. Because Baresi is eternal,” stated the Milan club on its website.
According to the club, Baresi passed away months after his last public appearance at the San Siro stadium during the opening ceremony of the Milan Winter Olympics, without providing further details about the player’s death.
Franco Baresi was one of the most decorated defenders in the history of world football. He represented AC Milan across 20 seasons, 15 of which as captain, and made 719 appearances for the club. With the Milan club he won 21 titles, including six Italian league titles.
On the international stage, he won three European Cup/Champions League titles (1988/89, 1989/90 and 1993/94), two Intercontinental Cups (1989 and 1990) and three European Super Cups (1989, 1990 and 1994).
With the Italy national team, Baresi was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup, held in Spain.
