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Milan and Italian football are mourning Franco Baresi, who died last night at the age of 66.

Former Milan and Italy defender Baresi has passed away.

“The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi,” Milan said in a statement.

“His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is. The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.”

AC Milan’s Italian honorary vice-president and former player Franco Baresi had attended the draw ceremony for the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League football tournament in Istanbul on August 25, 2022.

One year ago, Baresi underwent surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and had started a course of immunotherapy.

On Wednesday evening, Milan had denied reports that their legendary defender had died, but admitted Baresi was “going through a difficult and delicate time.”

Widely considered one of the finest defenders in football history, Baresi spent his entire playing career with Milan, making 719 appearances over 19 seasons for the Serie A giants.

He won, among other honours, six Serie A titles and three Champions League titles at club level. He also won the 1982 World Cup with Italy, although he did not play in that tournament.

He captained the Azzurri in 1994, when they reached the World Cup final under Arrigo Sacchi, one of his former Milan coaches.

After retiring in 1997, Milan paid tribute to his extraordinary career by retiring his iconic No. 6 shirt.

Baresi had been serving as Milan’s honorary vice-president since October 2020.