Some of the greatest names in Milan’s history gathered at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio on Tuesday to bid a final farewell to Franco Baresi, as thousands of supporters filled the square to mourn the club’s late captain.
According to Milannews24, a sea of Rossoneri fans had assembled outside the church well before the service, joined by the Curva Sud, to pay an emotional last tribute to one of the finest footballers the game has known.
The crowd greeted each of Baresi’s former team-mates with chants and applause as they arrived to embrace a grieving family and say goodbye to a comrade of so many battles.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Franco Baresi looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maldini and Van Basten among the mourners for Baresi
Among the most anticipated and warmly received were Paolo Maldini and Marco van Basten, who arrived together, while Mauro Tassotti and Pietro Paolo Virdis were also welcomed by the emotion of the supporters.
Their appearances, captured in images and video from the scene, prompted moments of profound collective grief.
The turnout underlined the standing Baresi held far beyond his own dressing room.
His funeral, held at 11am in the heart of Milan, drew club figures, institutions and delegations from across the game, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among those sending representatives, a fitting send-off for a one-club great whose dignity and loyalty transcended football’s rivalries.
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