Franco Baresi: Milan bids farewell to the captain who defined a club

Milan came to a standstill on Tuesday as crowds lined the streets to say goodbye to Franco Baresi. The legendary defender died last week at the age of 66 after a long decline in health, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond trophies. Baresi wore the Milan captain's armband for 15 seasons and became the club's defining figure. His numbers tell the story: 719 appearances, 33 goals and 18 major honours, with six Serie A titles, three European Cups, four Italian Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups won during his time with the Rossoneri. He was just as important for Italy, earning 81 caps, lifting the World Cup in 1982 and captaining the Azzurri in the 1994 final, when Brazil dashed their hopes. Milan retired his No. 6 shirt before making him honorary president in 2020. The funeral service was held at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, with Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Costacurta among the mourners. The current Milan squad is in Australia for their preseason tour, which meant some first-team players who did not travel were able to attend. United States forward Christian Pulisic was one of them. The club has confirmed that Baresi will be honoured before Wednesday's friendly against city rivals Inter.