Franco Baresi, the former AC Milan captain and one of the most influential defenders in the history of football, has died at the age of 66 after an illness. The Italian club confirmed the death of its former number 6, saying his example would remain a permanent part of the club's identity.

Baresi was born in Travagliato, in the province of Brescia, on 8 May 1960. As a 12-year-old he tried out for Inter Milan but was rejected because he was considered too slight. Italo Galbiati saw his potential instead and brought him into Milan's youth system. A Milan masseur later gave him the nickname «el Piscinin», reflecting his small stature.

He became one of the defining defensive players of his generation, equally comfortable as a libero and, when needed, as a midfielder. Italy coach Enzo Bearzot used him in midfield for the national team. His vision, technique and pace made him stand out, and his career established him as one of the great one-club figures in the sport.

At Milan he spent 20 seasons in the first team, leaving the field as the club's second most-capped player behind Paolo Maldini. After his retirement, Milan retired his number 6 shirt for good. He was later called «Kaiser Franz», a nickname that compared him with Franz Beckenbauer and placed him among the most respected players ever to wear the shirt.

His list of honours with Milan includes six Serie A titles, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and four Italian Super Cups. In 1989 he finished second in the Ballon d'Or behind his teammate Marco van Basten. Along with Mauro Tassotti, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta, he formed one of the most formidable defensive lines in football history.

Baresi played for Italy for 13 years and captained the national team from 1991 to 1994. He was in Italy's squad at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where the Azzurri were crowned champions, and he played at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. At the 1994 World Cup in the United States, he captained the team in the final, which ended in a runner-up finish. He also appeared at the European Championships in 1980 and 1988.

Just a few months before his death, Baresi took part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, an image the club later recalled as a proud final public appearance. In its statement, AC Milan said the history of the club was in tears and that his example and depth would remain as essential to Milan's path as his number 6 shirt.

«It is not easy to communicate the loss of a beat of our heart, one of the breaths of our soul», the club's message continued. «Franco has left us after giving us, only a few months ago, one last great and proud image of himself in a packed stadium connected with the whole world for an opening ceremony of the Milan Winter Olympics that he made historic.» The statement ended with the words «Because Baresi is forever».

Tributes also came from Inter Milan, Milan's historic rival. Inter said Baresi was the figure who more than any other had defined the history of the rivalry and that he had lived every derby with competition and respect. Javier Zanetti, the former Inter captain, added his own tribute on social media: «Flag, Captain, Legend: 6 forever! Safe journey, Franco.»