Franco Baresi, the renowned former defender of AC Milan and the Italian national team, has passed away at the age of 66. Regarded by many as one of the greatest defenders in football history, Baresi spent his entire professional career with AC Milan, amassing 719 appearances over 20 seasons. During his illustrious tenure, he secured six Serie A titles, with his first victory coming at the age of 19 in the 1978-79 season, followed by five additional championships in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Baresi's trophy cabinet also includes three European Cup wins, two Intercontinental Cup victories, and four Italian Supercup titles.

His remarkable contributions to AC Milan led the club to retire the No. 6 jersey in his honor. On the international stage, Baresi was a key figure in Italy's 1982 World Cup triumph and also participated in the 1994 World Cup, where the team fell to Brazil in the final via a penalty shootout. Following the news of his passing, AC Milan released a statement expressing their deep sorrow, noting that Baresi's legacy and integrity are forever embedded in the club's DNA.

The statement read: "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 No 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." In a separate statement on their website, Milan added: "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." Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy, and Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago paid tribute to him as an "extraordinary champion" who donned only two jerseys throughout his career: AC Milan and the Italian national team. Malago stated: "Italian football has lost one of its legends. An extraordinary champion who wore only two jerseys throughout his career: AC Milan and the Azzurri. A romantic choice, one that earned him a place in the hearts of fans and millions of Italians." Fellow AC Milan great Paolo Maldini, who spent 25 years with the club, described Baresi as the "greatest player" he had the privilege of playing with.

Maldini shared his heartfelt tribute on Instagram: "You taught me to fight until my very last breath, and showed me the meaning of devotion to the jersey and the value of being a true leader. You did this through your example, every single day: few words, but countless actions. You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult.

You were the greatest player I ever had the honour of playing with. Sending a warm embrace to your entire family, especially your wife Maura and your sons, Edoardo and Giannandrea. We will miss you, captain. But the light of your star will continue to guide us forever." Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also shared his memories of facing Baresi during his debut for Parma against AC Milan.

Buffon posted on X: "On November 19, 1995, I made my Serie A debut against Milan. I was 17 years old, and on the other side was the captain of that team: Franco Baresi.

For a boy my age, finding myself on the field against champions like him was something incredible. From that day on, I had an even clearer understanding of what it meant to represent football with class, leadership, and respect. Goodbye Franco.

Rest in peace."