Franco Baresi, the defender who captained AC Milan through the most decorated era in the club's history and won the 1982 World Cup with Italy, has died aged 66. Milan announced his passing on 31 July, saying: "The history of Milan is in tears. His example and his depth will forever, like his number 6 shirt, be a fundamental part of the DNA and the journey of all of Milan."
Baresi had been fighting illness for months. Around a year before his death he underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule, and although he appeared to be recovering, his condition deteriorated in his final days.
Born in Travagliato, in the province of Brescia, on 8 May 1960, Baresi joined Milan as a teenager and broke into the first team in 1977. He stayed for 20 years, through relegation to Serie B in 1982 — when he remained loyal while bigger names departed — and through the golden age under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. He lifted six Serie A titles and three European Cups, in 1989, 1990 and 1994, wearing the armband for much of that run. When he retired in June 1997 the club retired his number 6 shirt, and he later served as vice-president.
