AC Milan and Italy great Baresi dies aged 66
Legendary AC Milan captain and Italian football icon Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in history, Baresi spent his entire 20-year career with the club and was a key member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning squad.
Why it matters
Baresi is considered a titan of world football, and his death marks the loss of one of the sport's most influential defensive figures.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Franco Baresi became captain of AC Milan at the age of 22
Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, with AC Milan saying their former captain's "example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA".
Baresi spent his entire 20-year playing career with the club from 1977 until he retired in 1997, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues.
Regarded as one of the greatest defenders to play the game, Baresi captained Milan for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals.
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