Fabio Capello, while remembering Franco Baresi on Sky Sport following the passing of the legendary Milan captain at the age of 66, said:
"I am struggling even to speak. He deserves a great tribute. I saw him make his debut when I was still a player, and then I had the privilege of coaching him."
Milan published a heartfelt message:
"A player as great and important as him must be remembered in the best way possible. Milan must embrace him and thank him for everything he gave to the club and to Italy: his professionalism, his loyalty, and his commitment. He was an example for everyone. An honest and humble man, qualities that are difficult to find in someone with his level of popularity. He was one of those players every coach would want to have, not only because of his technical ability, but because of the strength and confidence he transmitted to all his teammates."
Those qualities led him to become captain at just 22 years old...
"When he was chosen, he was very young. It was a historic moment because he received the armband from Rivera. He kept it and honoured it for many years, doing everything possible to help Milan achieve the results it eventually achieved. He was important to everyone because of the way he carried himself. When foreign players arrived, they immediately found in his serious and precise approach a point of reference."
What role did Baresi play in bringing his Milan team together?
"He was the orchestra conductor of the defence. He was able to guide the defenders and midfielders; he was the true leader and organiser of the team. He brought joy to the fans, but above all he was a great fortune for me: having a player with that strength and balance was something unique."
Baresi understood the game better than anyone.
"Sacchi had taught him a certain way of defending, and when I arrived, we changed the movements. Despite that, he adapted immediately. For him, it was important not to become stuck in old ideas, but to change according to what the new coach demanded, and he was able to pass that mentality on to his teammates as well."
People often said he was a man of few words but many actions.
"That was the beautiful thing about him. His humility, despite being so famous. He never showed off and never made people feel the weight of his popularity. He brought calmness to everyone and always had the desire not to settle (his voice interrupted by emotion)."
What is your memory of Baresi as an Italy player? Capello replied:
"It is the memory of a player who, even in the Azzurri shirt, had the same desire and determination. He played in the final after undergoing meniscus surgery just 20 days earlier: it was a record, something extraordinary. For him, pain did not exist; the only thing that mattered was honouring the shirt and being there because he knew that his presence alone would give something extra to the team. Unfortunately, that penalty went over the bar, and the tears were proof of the immense affection he had for the national team."
How would you describe Baresi to someone who never saw him play?
"As a man who continued to train at the highest level in order to achieve his goals and ambitions. He taught everyone the importance of constant improvement and a strong work ethic. Today, we lose a great footballer, but above all, a great person."
