Franco Baresi, Galliani was moved: “You’ve joined the President”

Franco Baresi’s death has shaken the Milan soccer world: the passing of the Rossoneri legend has sparked thousands of reactions, many from his former teammates, friends, coaches, and executives. Among them, three of the most prominent were Adriano Galliani, Demetrio Albertini, and Filippo Galli.

Milan’s longtime CEO posted a brief and heartbreaking message on Facebook: “You’ve joined your President. 6 forever,” accompanying a photo of Silvio Berlusconi, Baresi, and Fabio Capello.

Demetrio Albertini, who was Baresi’s teammate for years, was also deeply moved: “The history of Milan is in tears over the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and his depth will, forever—just like his No. 6 jersey—be an integral and fundamental part of the DNA and journey of the entire Club. The condolences that AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s entire family are the same ones every Rossoneri fan offers to themselves at such a difficult time.”

Filippo Galli also paid tribute to his former captain: “A friend, a champion, and a role model for all who played with him—and beyond—has left us. He always remained the captain, even after he stopped playing. He was always a leader. My wife just reminded me of an incident: three or four years ago, we were at San Siro watching a game. We wanted to leave before the end, so I turned to Franco and told him, because he was the captain and we always told him everything. And just by looking at me, he made it clear that you can’t—and shouldn’t—leave San Siro before the final whistle. A single glance was enough; we stayed until the very end.”