Baresi recalls Milan debut, becoming captain and playing under Berlusconi | OneFootball

Franco Baresi has admitted that he felt a bit ‘lucky’ to have the career at AC Milan that he had, a club he considers a ‘second family’.

Baresi is somebody that perhaps embodies Milanismo more than anybody else. During his 20-year career with Milan he captained the club for 15 seasons and became established as one of the best defenders in the world, even being responsible for the evolution of his position.

During his two decades with the Rossoneri he won three UEFA Champions League titles, six Scudetti, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, two European Super Cups and two International Cups, as well as a World Cup with Italy.

Now he is still at the club, as the honorary vice-president and an ambassador on the global stage. As reported by ilNordEst, Baresi attended a special evening in Pieve di Soligo – in the province of Treviso – and he answered some questions about his career which were relayed by MilanPress.

What anecdotes remain from your playing days?

“There is luck, undoubtedly, talent is not enough. It is important to never forget where you come from, your origins, who supported you along the way. I had a difficult childhood, but I managed to transform pain and anger into determination and stubbornness.

“I was certainly also lucky enough to meet the right people at the right time. People who instilled important values ​​in me, such as education and respect.”

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How much do you love Milan?

“Milan is a second family for me, a lifeline. When I was a kid they were attentive to what I needed, the human aspect is fundamental, because before the athlete there is the person.”

Do you remember your first time at San Siro?

“I remember a huge emotion, think that I went from a town of ten thousand inhabitants to the metropolis that is Milan. I had only seen the stadium on TV, I would never have thought of playing there, of becoming what I have become and of winning what I have won.”

Then your debut at 17…

“I remember in particular having the fortune of playing with Gianni Rivera, he was at the end of his career. We played together only two years, but they were precious years, in which I was able to learn a lot from him.

“Observing how he moved, how he managed certain situations, his elegance and his attention to those who played less, to those on the bench, who struggled in training like the starters.”

You were made captain at 22…

“It wasn’t an easy time, because we went to Serie B. But I understood along the way how important it is to pay attention to the good of the team rather than your own personal good. I didn’t talk much, but I tried to set an example with my actions.”

What was Silvio Berlusconi like?

“He was an extraordinary president, for his ideas and his ability to transmit innovation and his competence to the whole environment. There was a special bond, he wanted to give me a golden ball in my farewell match, the one I never won. Milan also retired my number 6 shirt.”