Franco Baresi, AC Milan and Italy legend, dies at 66

The football world is mourning the loss of Franco Baresi, the iconic Italian defender and captain, who passed away at the age of 66. Baresi, renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, left an indelible mark on AC Milan and the Italian national team, defining an era of Italian football.

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Today I feel the same as when, for any reason, you couldn't jump on the field by our side: how will we do it without our captain?

Baresi was a cornerstone of the glorious AC Milan side under Arrigo Sacchi that dominated European football in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His career, spanning 20 years with Milan from 1977 to 1997, saw him play 714 matches and win three Champions League titles, two Intercontinental Cups, and six Serie A championships. He was also a key figure for the Italian national team, earning 81 caps.

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You taught me to fight until the last breath, what attachment to the shirt means and the value of being a true leader. You did it by example, every day: few words, but many facts.

Despite his relatively short stature of 1.76 meters, Baresi compensated with impeccable timing, spatial awareness, and unparalleled ability to read the game. He was considered the epitome of the 'libero' role, the last man in defense, a position that many believe should bear his name at a hypothetical "university of the libero."

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You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a teenager and inspired me as a man. You have been the best footballer with whom I have had the honor of playing.

Former teammates and rivals have expressed profound sadness and admiration. Paolo Maldini, who shared Milan's golden years with Baresi, described him as a mentor and an inspirational leader, stating, "You have been the best footballer I have ever had the honor of playing with." Roberto Baggio, a teammate from the 1994 World Cup runner-up squad, simply lamented, "How much pain and how much sadness. Goodbye, Captain."

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How much pain and how much sadness. Goodbye, Captain.