AC Milan and Italy legend Baresi dies aged 66

Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi has died aged 66.

The former Milan captain is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history and spent his entire career with the club, playing 719 times in 20 seasons as a professional.

During that time Baresi won six Serie A crowns, with his first Scudetto coming as a teenager during the 1978-79 campaign and he lifted five further titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The defender also won three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and four Italian Supercups during his career and his contributions to Milan saw the club retire the No 6 jersey.

On the international stage, Baresi was part of the Italy squad that won the World Cup in 1982, as well as featuring in the 1994 World Cup, which ended in a penalty-shoot-out defeat to Brazil in the final.

A post on the official Milan X account said: "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 further statement on the club 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 made 81 appearances for Italy and Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago described him as an "extraordinary champion".

"Italian football has lost one of its legends," Malago said in a statement on the FIGC website.

"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."

AC Milan great Paolo Maldini - who spent 25 years with the club - described Baresi as the "greatest player" he played with.

Maldini said 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 shared his memories of his debut for Parma competing against Baresi.

"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," Buffon posted on X.

"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."