Franco Baresi dies aged 66, Italian football and Milan icon | OneFootball

Franco Baresi has died aged 66, Milan said in a statement, adding that the club is in mourning, offering condolences to his family and noting his iconic number 6 shirt.

In recent days his condition had worsened, and the club previously denied reports of his death while acknowledging a delicate period for their honorary vice president.

A towering defender, Baresi led both Milan and Italy. With the Rossoneri he won 3 Champions Leagues in 1989, 1990 and 1994, and 2 Intercontinental Cups.

Across 20 seasons in Milan he collected 6 Serie A titles, as well as 2 Serie B championships during the relegation years, staying loyal to the club. He also lifted 4 Italian Super Cups.

With Italy he won the 1982 World Cup in Spain, then captained the side that reached the 1994 World Cup final in the United States.

His individual honours include the 1989 Ballon d’Or Silver Ball, a place in Pelé’s FIFA 100 and recognition as Serie A Footballer of the Century.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo