Thousands bid farewell to AC Milan legend Franco Baresi

Milan, Italy – A sea of fans clad in AC Milan's iconic red and black filled the streets around the Basilica of San Ambrogio on Tuesday, bidding a final farewell to club legend Franco Baresi. The former captain, who died Friday at age 66, was mourned by thousands, including a host of Italian football's biggest names.

Among the mourners were former teammates Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio, and Alessandro Costacurta, all present to honor the defender who spent his entire club career with AC Milan. Fans waved flags and shirts bearing Baresi's number 6, alongside scarves and a banner reading "Ciao capitano" (Goodbye, captain).

Italian Minister of Sports Andrea Abodi noted Baresi's deep connection to the club and the sport. "His belonging to the AC Milan family and to football in general is the reason why everyone loved him," Abodi was quoted as saying.

Real Madrid and FIFA sent floral tributes to the service for the former center-back. Baresi was a World Cup champion with Italy in 1982 and a finalist in 1994. He captained AC Milan through the 1980s and 1990s, a golden era that saw the team secure three European Cups and six Italian league titles.

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His belonging to the AC Milan family and to football in general is the reason why everyone loved him.