Franco Baresi has died aged 66, with AC Milan confirming the death of their former captain on Friday. The former Italy defender's cause of death was not disclosed.
In a statement on X, Milan said: "Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi." The club added: "His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is."
Baresi spent his entire playing career at Milan and retired in 1997, when the club withdrew his number six shirt from use. He subsequently worked as a coach with Milan's junior teams.
Former team-mate Paolo Maldini paid tribute on Instagram, writing: "You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult." He added: "You were the greatest footballer I ever had the honour of playing with."