Through its official website, the Serie A League paid tribute to Franco Baresi on the day of his passing with the following statement:
"Franco Baresi has passed away at the age of 66. A historic AC Milan icon and one of the greatest centre-backs in the history of world football, he spent his entire playing career in the Rossoneri shirt, becoming the very embodiment of the word Captain.
With AC Milan, he won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and four Italian Super Cups, establishing himself as the undisputed symbol of Arrigo Sacchi's legendary Milan and later Fabio Capello's dominant side.
His achievements with the Italian national team were equally distinguished. He was part of Italy's 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad and later starred in the outstanding teams coached by Azeglio Vicini, before coming agonisingly close to lifting the World Cup again at USA '94 under Arrigo Sacchi.
In short, he was a player who interpreted the role of sweeper like few others, becoming a model and inspiration for entire generations.
Everyone at Lega Serie A joins in mourning the passing of Franco Baresi and extends its deepest condolences to his family."
