Franco Baresi: George Weah Sends a Heartfelt Message

George Weah paid tribute to Franco Baresi, the Milan legend who passed away at the age of 66 after a illness, with a lengthy message on social media. The iconic No. 6 defender was a key figure for the Liberian forward, with whom he played during the final years of his illustrious career.

“I am saddened by the news of the death of my former Milan teammate and big brother, Franco Baresi, who lost his battle with a long illness on July 31. Our paths crossed in the late 1990s when I first joined the Italian Serie A club. His guidance was crucial in helping me settle in,” wrote the former Ballon d’Or winner.

“He was an imposing and central figure in the team’s defense, contributing to our victories in various tournaments. Baresi will be remembered as one of the greatest defenders in history, having spent his entire 20-year professional career playing for AC Milan,” the African player continued. “This tragic passing is an irreparable loss for his family and for AC Milan. I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones and to the club. May they find comfort in the Lord during this difficult time,” concluded Weah, who played for Milan from 1995 to 2000, winning two league titles and scoring 46 goals in Serie A.

No less heart-wrenching was the tribute from Dejan Savicevic, interviewed by *La Gazzetta dello Sport*: “I have a lump in my throat—a weight I can’t even describe. Poor Franco, I’m so sorry. He was my captain, my great captain. But he was Milan; there has never been—and there will never be—anyone like him.” The “Genius of Montenegro” also pointed out that Baresi never won the Ballon d’Or, an award he believes Baresi richly deserved: “It’s a disgrace. Baresi was a phenomenon.”

Among the most heartfelt messages is one from Paolo Maldini, who shared years of glory with the Rossoneri captain: “Today I feel the same way I did whenever, for whatever reason, you couldn’t take the field alongside us: how will we manage without our Captain? You taught me to fight until my last breath, what it means to be devoted to the jersey, and the value of being a true leader. You were the greatest player I’ve ever had the honor of playing with.”