Former club captain Franco Baresi has declared that AC Milan have been his ‘life’ and his ‘passion’ since he first joined.
Baresi is an icon of the Rossoneri having led the club to six Scudetti and three European Cups during his 20 years with the club, and he turned 60 years old on Friday.
He turned 60 earlier this month, but the world of football continues to consider him a true example of loyalty and a champion of one of the great sides in world football.
Baresi was interviewed by Marca to talk about his long career as a defender, starting with his time at Milan.
“Milan has been my life, a great passion. I arrived as a teenager and now at 60 I am still in the club,” he said.
“I chose to play here because it’s my home, Milan was the right place to grow. If I think about how many steps I have taken.”
Baresi was also entrusted with the armband as a reward for the loyalty he showed to the club through its toughest period.
“A great responsibility, I have worn the armband for 15 years,” he continued.
“The first time I was 22, I wasn’t prepared, I learned with time. It makes you grow a lot, it’s not enough just to scream on the pitch. Being a captain involves much more.”
On the best players he played with: “In Milan I can’t choose one, there have been many very strong ones. I can certainly indicate the strongest opponent, a certain Diego Maradona.”
On the difference between Sacchi and Capello: “Two great technicians. Sacchi was an visionary, he changed the face of Italian and international football. Capello a more concrete coach, attentive to detail. Both were important to me.”
On the derby against his brother Beppe Baresi: “Derbies are always exciting, let alone if you play against your brother. For my family it was an incredible moment, almost a party.”
