Football in mourning - Soccer legends and fans bid farewell to iconic Italian defender and AC Milan star Franco Baresi | Video Viory
Hundreds of people paid their final tribute to former AC Milan player Franco Baresi, who died at the age of 66, at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan on Tuesday morning.
Footage shows fans gathered outside the church with flares, flags and banners, while former footballers including Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and Roberto Baggio were seen entering the basilica for the funeral ceremony.
"There are so many things he did for Milan. He was important to everyone—to the club, to all the Milan fans, and also to us, even though we were far away, because when we were in Brazil, we knew everything he had done," said former AC Milan goalkeeper Dida. "I think he was unique—so much so that the number 6 will never be used again."
Demetrio Albertini, another former AC Milan player, praised Baresi’s leadership on the pitch, while the club’s former sporting director, Igli Tare, said the defender’s passing is only a partial loss because he will always remain in the hearts of the club’s fans.
As he left the ceremony, founder of AC Milan majority owner, Red Bird Capital Partners, Gerry Cardinale, paid an emotional tribute to the former number six, describing Baresi as a 'great man' and a 'huge loss for everyone'.
Baresi made 719 appearances for AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. He also won the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy.
Footage shows fans gathered outside the church with flares, flags and banners, while former footballers including Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and Roberto Baggio were seen entering the basilica for the funeral ceremony.
"There are so many things he did for Milan. He was important to everyone—to the club, to all the Milan fans, and also to us, even though we were far away, because when we were in Brazil, we knew everything he had done," said former AC Milan goalkeeper Dida. "I think he was unique—so much so that the number 6 will never be used again."
Demetrio Albertini, another former AC Milan player, praised Baresi’s leadership on the pitch, while the club’s former sporting director, Igli Tare, said the defender’s passing is only a partial loss because he will always remain in the hearts of the club’s fans.
As he left the ceremony, founder of AC Milan majority owner, Red Bird Capital Partners, Gerry Cardinale, paid an emotional tribute to the former number six, describing Baresi as a 'great man' and a 'huge loss for everyone'.
Baresi made 719 appearances for AC Milan, winning six Serie A titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. He also won the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy.