FC Barcelona, AC Milan mourn passing of Italian football legend Franco Baresi

FC Barcelona and AC Milan have mourned the death of Franco Baresi, a legendary Italian defender and former captain of AC Milan. Baresi, who was 66, passed away after a distinguished career that saw him win three European Cups and six Italian league titles with AC Milan.

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FC Barcelona expresses its most sincere condolences for the passing of Franco Baresi, a legend of Italian football and eternal captain of AC Milan. His leadership, elegance, and extraordinary legacy in world football will remain forever in the memory of fans and all those who love this sport. Rest in peace, Franco.

Baresi spent his entire club career, from 1977 to 1997, with AC Milan, becoming an iconic figure. He was also a FIFA World Cup winner with Italy in 1982 and a runner-up in 1994. His impressive trophy cabinet includes six Serie A titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, four Supercoppa Italiana trophies, two Intercontinental Cups, and two European Super Cup titles.

AC Milan described Baresi's passing as a loss that brought "the entire history of AC Milan is in tears." The club stated that his "example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club's DNA." Rival club Inter Milan also offered its condolences, recognizing Baresi as "one of the key figures of the rivalry" between the two Milanese giants, noting his consistent display of "competitiveness and respect" during matches.

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The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. 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.

Baresi was also recognized for his individual achievements, finishing as the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 1989. His legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments, with his leadership and elegance remembered as enduring contributions to world football.

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Goodbye to Franco Baresi, our opponent in many a Derby and one of the key figures in the history of this rivalry. AC Milan's captain, talisman and legend, in his matches against Inter, he always walked the path between competitiveness and respect, in one of the most influential fixtures in Italian football history. Chairman Giuseppe Marotta and all of FC Internazionale Milano wish to extend their deepest condolences to the Baresi family, to his brother Beppe, and to AC Milan at this saddening time.