AC Milan legend and 1982 World Cup winner Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, as tributes to the Italian legend land worldwide
Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, as the world of football mourns one of Italy’s greatest-ever talents. The Travagilato-born star will be remembered for a trophy-laden 20-year career with AC Milan, as well as a sensational international career culminating in winning the 1982 World Cup.
A statement from I Rossoneri confirming the news of Baresi’s passing on Friday read: “Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the Club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory.
“We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times. We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage he helped make unforgettable.
“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.”
A number of other Serie A clubs have also paid tribute to Baresi in a showing of solidarity with AC Milan, as well as the former centre-half’s family and friends. Juventus wrote: “There are people who, with their talent, enter history. And others who, with their humanity, remain there forever.
“Franco Baresi was both. Class, style, leadership, and respect on and off the field. An example for generations of players and fans, loved and admired by all football enthusiasts.
“His memory will live on forever. Juventus Football Club stands in solidarity with the Baresi family and @acmilan in this moment of profound sorrow.”
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Lazio added: “S.S. Lazio joins the family’s mourning for the passing of Franco Baresi, the unforgettable defensive bastion of the Italian National Team and of Milan.”
Napoli wrote: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis, Mr. Allegri, the executives, and all of SSC Napoli express their deepest condolences for the passing of Franco Baresi, a flag and legend of Milan and of the entire panorama of Italian football. To his family, the sincerest closeness from the entire Azzurri club.”
Roma said: “AS Roma joins in the mourning for the passing of Franco Baresi, who with his career left an indelible mark on the history of football. The Club stands in solidarity with the grief of his family and loved ones.”
Genoa, meanwhile, added: “The Club joins the grief of the family, the world of football, and @acmilan for the passing of Franco Baresi, pillar and legend of world football. Rest in peace, Franco.”
One of world football’s most influential players, Baresi enjoyed a remarkable 20-year club career with AC Milan between 1977 and 1997. With I Rossoneri, he won eight league titles, four Supercoppa Italianas and a trilogy of European Cups.
Baresi also managed 81 appearances for the Italian national football team, and was instrumental to the nation’s success at the 1982 World Cup. In the final of that tournament, which took place in Spain, Italy ran out 3-1 winners over West Germany to secure their third title in FIFA’s most prestigious international tournament.
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