Three AC Milan greats have paid tribute to Franco Baresi at his funeral which is taking place in the city of Milan today.
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio hosted the final farewell to Baresi this morning, one of the most iconic defenders in the history of Italian football and someone so beloved by Milanisti that they call him simply ‘the captain’.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Outside the basilica – speaking to Rete 4 (via MilanVibes) – some of the key figures in the AC Milan world shared their memories in simple words on an emotional day.
Demetrio Albertini remembered Baresi, starting with his human value and the recognition he received beyond what he did on the football field.
“We’ve lost a man, first and foremost, a champion who transcended the Rossoneri. But he gave so many years to the national team and was held in high esteem by everyone, including football fans.
“Who was Franco? He had a special, very quiet charisma. A sense of belonging that he passed on to all the generations that came after him.”
Clarence Seedorf chose a short response to remember Baresi: “A memory? Everything was spectacular. Everything was spectacular.”
Giovanni Galli linked the memory of Baresi to a specific image: the European Cup final won by Milan in Barcelona.
“A memory? What a memory… I said it a few days ago when they called me. I have a photo at home from right after the first final, the one in Barcelona…
“You know, back then, they didn’t have the kind of setup they do now. Franco had just received the European Champion Clubs’ Cup from the UEFA President.
“I was behind him, I lifted it, and I saw the happiness of a man who had suffered for this shirt, who had brought it back to where it belonged, that AC Milan team, so I want to always keep that photo of Franco in front of me.”
Baresi leaves behind a legacy of trophies, of loyalty, but also having been a true gentleman on and off the field. His name remains and will forever remain associated with being a captain who leads by example.
