Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi has died aged 66.

The former Milan captain is widely regarded as one of the best defenders ever and spent his entire career with the club, playing 719 times in 20 seasons as a professional.

During that time, Baresi won six Serie A crowns, with his first Scudetto coming as a teenager during the 1978-79 campaign, and he lifted five further titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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Franco Baresi Pic: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

The defender also won three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and four Italian Supercups during his career, and his contributions to Milan even saw the club retire the number six jersey.

On the international stage, Baresi was part of the Italy squad which won the World Cup in 1982, as well as featuring in the 1994 World Cup, starting in Ireland’s famous win over the Azzurri in New Jersey, before a brilliant man-marking display against Romario in the Final.

A post on the official Milan X account said: ‘The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is.

Franco Baresi
A.C Milan’s captain and defender Franco Baresi (R) heads the ball away from Marseille’s midfielder Abedi Pelé from Ghana during the 1993 European Champions Cup final. Pic: PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images

‘The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.’

In a further statement on the club website, Milan added: ‘Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi’s memory. We must be strong and gather every bit of energy, even at this saddest of times.

‘We lost Franco only a few months after his last public appearance in a packed San Siro, at the Milan Winter Olympics opening ceremony, an event on the world stage he helped make unforgettable.

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Brazil’s Romario (C) kicks the ball as Italy’s defenders Franco Baresi (L) and Roberto Mussi try to stop him during the 1994 World Cup FInal. Pic: Daniel GARCIA / AFP via Getty Images

‘In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he’ll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey. Forever. Because Baresi is forever.’

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher joined in the tributes, having spoken before about how Baresi was an idol for him growing up in the 1980s and 1990s.

‘It’s always a sad day for football when one of the all-time greats passes away, and that’s exactly what Franco Baresi was. I’ve always seen him as the greatest centre back I ever saw & the ultimate one-club man. RIP Capitano.’

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Pic: GEORGES GOBET/AFP via Getty Images

AC Milan great Paolo Maldini – who spent 25 years with the club and started out beside Baresi in the great Milan team in the late 20th Century – described him as the ‘greatest player’ he played with.

Maldini said on Instagram: ‘You taught me to fight until my very last breath, and showed me the meaning of devotion to the jersey and the value of being a true leader. You did this through your example, every single day: few words, but countless actions.

‘You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult. You were the greatest player I ever had the honour of playing with. Sending a warm embrace to your entire family, especially your wife Maura and your sons, Edoardo and Giannandrea.

‘We will miss you, captain. But the light of your star will continue to guide us forever.’