From Van Basten to Maldini. A final farewell at Franco Baresi’s funeral

Thousands of fans gathered this morning in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio for the funeral of former AC Milan captain Franco Baresi, who died on 31 July, to pay their final respects to one of the most iconic players in the club’s history. Before the arrival of the coffin, which was greeted by a long round of applause and the chant “A captain, there is only one captain”, old friends, team-mates and leading figures from Italian football had already gathered to say their final farewells. Among those present were Paolo Maldini, Marco Van Basten, Roberto Donadoni, Alessandro Costacurta, Clarence Seedorf, Marco Simone, Alberico Evani, Giancarlo Antognoni and Roberto Baggio.

Also present were AC Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni and Rossoneri owner Gerry Cardinale, who were met with boos from hundreds of fans as they entered the Basilica. There was applause, however, upon the arrival of Giuseppe Bergomi, a former Inter defender, who wished to pay tribute to the Rossoneri’s legendary captain.