Thousands line Milan streets for legendary Baresi's funeral

Thousands of people took to the streets of Milan on Tuesday to pay their final respects to Franco Baresi, the legendary defender who passed away last week at the age of 66 following a period of ill health.

Baresi, regarded among the greatest defenders in football history, captained AC Milan for 15 seasons, making 719 appearances and scoring 33 goals. During his career with the Rossoneri, he claimed 18 trophies: six Serie A titles, three Champions League crowns, four Italian Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and two Club World Cups.

On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy. He was part of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup and served as captain in the 1994 final, where Italy lost to Brazil.

In 2020, Baresi was appointed honorary president of Milan, and his number six shirt was retired when he ended his playing days.

The funeral service took place at Sant'Ambrogio Basilica, with club greats including Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Baggio, and Alessandro Costacurta in attendance. The current AC Milan squad is on a pre-season tour in Australia, but some first-team players not involved in the trip, including United States forward Christian Pulisic, attended the service.

AC Milan are set to honour their former captain ahead of their friendly against Inter on Wednesday.