The death of Franco Baresi, who lost his life last Friday at the age of 66, continues to generate reactions in the world of football. This Sunday, former Liberian striker George Weah dedicated an emotional message to say goodbye to his former teammate at AC Milan, whom he defined as an “older brother” and a key figure during his adaptation to the Italian club.
The former president of Liberia and winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1995 highlighted the influence that the historic defender had on and off the field of play, in addition to recognizing the legacy he left both in AC Milan and in the Italian national team.
George Weah remembers the support he received from Franco Baresi
Through his account on the social network X, George Weah expressed his sadness at the death of Franco Baresi, who died last Friday at the age of 66 after an illness.
"His guidance was crucial in helping me adapt. He was an imposing and fundamental figure in the team's defense, who contributed to our various championship victories," said X Weah, former president of Liberia (2018-2024) and the only African footballer to win a Ballon d'Or (1995), on his social network account.
The former soccer player also assured that the departure of his former teammate represents “an irreparable loss for his family and for AC Milan,” before sending his “deepest condolences” to his loved ones and the Italian club.
Weah and Baresi shared a successful time at AC Milan
George Weah, considered by FIFA as the best African footballer of the 20th century, arrived at AC Milan in the 1990s, a period in which he coincided with Franco Baresi during the last years of the legendary defender's career.
Together they were part of a successful era for the Rossoneri team, with which Weah won two league titles, while Baresi continued to expand a career that made him one of the greatest references in the history of the institution.
Franco Baresi's legacy with AC Milan and the Italian national team
For many specialists, Franco Baresi is one of the best defenders that football has ever produced. His career was closely linked to AC Milan, where he became captain, won multiple titles and, after his retirement, remained linked to the club performing various functions.
With the Italian national team, he played 82 games and participated in three World Cups. He was part of the team that won the 1982 World Cup in Spain and, twelve years later, reached the final of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, in which the Italian team lost to Brazil in the penalty shootout.
The figure of Franco Baresi remains one of the most influential in the history of AC Milan and Italian football, which is why his death has generated multiple expressions of recognition and respect from different parts of the world.
