AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi dies aged 66

AC Milan, the Serie A club, announced on Friday the death of its legendary defender and former Italy international Franco Baresi at the age of 66. Baresi was regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and a symbol of Italian football’s golden era in the 1980s and 1990s.

Milan said on its X account: "The entire history of Milan mourns the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will remain forever at the heart of the club, just like his iconic number 6 shirt."

Last year, Milan said Baresi, who served as honorary vice president, underwent surgery to remove a lung nodule and received treatment from a cancer specialist.

In February, Baresi was one of the Olympic torchbearers at the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, appearing alongside Giuseppe Bergomi, the former Inter Milan and Italy defender who was his long-time rival on the pitch.

Baresi is considered an icon at Milan, where he spent his entire 20-year career, winning six Serie A titles and three major European trophies. He captained the team for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997.

Milan retired his number 6 shirt at the end of his career, making him the first player in the club’s history to receive this honor.