Thousands of mourners honour AC Milan legend Franco Baresi at Milan funeral
Thousands of mourners have lined the streets of Milan to pay their final respects at the funeral of legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi.
The 66-year-old passed away last week following a period of ill health.
His funeral service took place on Tuesday at the historic Sant’Ambrogio Basilica.
Football royalty gathers to pay respects
A host of club greats attended the ceremony, including former team-mates Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten and Clarence Seedorf.
Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Costacurta were also present to honour the revered centre-back.
Although the current Rossoneri squad is away on a pre-season tour of Australia, several uninvolved first-team players joined the congregation.
United States forward Christian Pulisic was among the active squad members to attend the poignant ceremony.
A glittering legacy at the San Siro
Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, the iconic sweeper spent his entire professional career with the Italian giants.
He captained the side for 15 remarkable seasons, amassing 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals.
During his glittering domestic tenure, the one-club man secured 18 major trophies.
His extraordinary haul included six Serie A titles and three European Cups.
International glory and lasting tributes
On the international stage, the formidable defender earned 81 caps for his country.
He was an integral member of the triumphant Azzurri squad that lifted the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
Twelve years later, he bravely captained the national side in the 1994 final defeat against Brazil.
The Italian heavyweights permanently retired his famous number six shirt immediately after he concluded his playing days.
The club will hold a further tribute to their honorary president ahead of a friendly fixture against city rivals Inter on Wednesday.