Death of Italian Milan legend Franco Baresi

The Italian club AC Milan announced on Friday the death of its historic captain and legend Franco Baresi at the age of 66, bringing an end to the career of one of the most prominent defenders in football history, whose name was inextricably linked to the Lombard club for two full decades.

The announcement of his passing came just two days after Milan had denied rumors about the former star’s departure, before the club confirmed the news on Friday morning via its official social media accounts.

Baresi is considered one of the most iconic symbols of loyalty in football history, having spent his entire professional career with Milan and helping lead the team to an era of dominance in Italian and European football during the 1980s and 1990s, ensuring his name remains etched among the greatest defenders the sport has ever produced.