Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66, as the soccer world mourns the loss of one of Italy's greatest-ever players. The Travagliato-born legend will be remembered for a trophy-filled 20-year career with AC Milan, along with a remarkable international career that peaked with lifting the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
A statement from I Rossoneri confirming the news of Baresi's death on Friday read: "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."
Several other Serie A clubs also paid their respects to Baresi in a show of solidarity with AC Milan, as well as the former center-back's family and friends, as per The Mirror. Juventus wrote: "There are people who, with their talent, enter history. And others who, with their humanity, remain there forever.
"Franco Baresi was both. Class, style, leadership, and respect on and off the field. An example for generations of players and fans, loved and admired by all football enthusiasts.
"His memory will live on forever. Juventus Football Club stands in solidarity with the Baresi family and @acmilan in this moment of profound sorrow."
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Lazio added: "S.S. Lazio joins the family's mourning for the passing of Franco Baresi, the unforgettable defensive bastion of the Italian National Team and of Milan."
Napoli wrote: "President Aurelio De Laurentiis, Mr. Allegri, the executives, and all of SSC Napoli express their deepest condolences for the passing of Franco Baresi, a flag and legend of Milan and of the entire panorama of Italian football. To his family, the sincerest closeness from the entire Azzurri club."
Roma said: "AS Roma joins in the mourning for the passing of Franco Baresi, who with his career left an indelible mark on the history of football. The Club stands in solidarity with the grief of his family and loved ones."
Genoa, meanwhile, added: "The Club joins the grief of the family, the world of football, and @acmilan for the passing of Franco Baresi, pillar and legend of world football. Rest in peace, Franco."
Among the game's most impactful figures, Baresi experienced an extraordinary two-decade stint with AC Milan from 1977 to 1997. During his time with I Rossoneri, he secured eight Serie A championships, four Supercoppa Italiana trophies, and three European Cups.
Baresi also made 81 appearances for the Italian national side, proving pivotal to the country's triumph at the 1982 World Cup. In the final of that competition, held in Spain, Italy emerged as 3-1 victors against West Germany to claim their third title in FIFA's most prestigious international tournament.
Following a career that can only be described as legendary, AC Milan took the executive decision to retire Baresi's iconic number six jersey. He became the first player in the club's storied history to receive such an honor.
Paolo Maldini remains the only other player to have had a shirt number retired by I Rossoneri, having enjoyed an equally remarkable career to that of Baresi.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
