AC Milan has paid tribute to club legend Franco Baresi following his death at the age of 66. Baresi, who spent his entire professional career at the club, made 719 appearances over 20 seasons and served as a long-standing captain. The club described his passing as a profound loss and said his example and integrity would remain integral to AC Milan’s identity, symbolized by his iconic No. 6 shirt.

The Serie A team expressed condolences to Baresi’s family and noted that the entire Rossoneri community shared in the grief. As a mark of respect, the squad observed a minute of silence before a recent training session in Australia, where they are currently on their pre-season tour. The club acknowledged Baresi as embodying the heart and soul of AC Milan and emphasized that his legacy would continue to inspire the team moving forward.

Paolo Maldini, another club great who spent 25 years at AC Milan, reflected on Baresi’s influence both on and off the field. Maldini described Baresi as the greatest player he had the honor to play alongside, highlighting his devotion to the club’s jersey and his leadership. Maldini spoke of Baresi’s role as a mentor, protector, and inspiration throughout different stages of his own career.

Baresi’s contributions to AC Milan and his impact on teammates and fans alike have cemented his status as one of football’s enduring figures. His passing marks the end of an era for the club, which now looks to honor his memory by carrying forward the values he exemplified during his time in Milan’s colors.