Weah's heartfelt tribute contrasts Milan's solemn farewell

George Weah publicly mourned his former AC Milan teammate Franco Baresi, who died at 66 on Friday, posting a heartfelt statement on his official X profile; the club meanwhile prepares a solemn funeral in Milan for Tuesday, underscoring the stark contrast between personal tribute and collective mourning.

Franco Baresi passed away on Friday after a prolonged battle with illness, ending a 66‑year life closely linked to AC Milan and marking the end of an era for the Rossoneri.

A funeral is scheduled in Milan for Tuesday, where countless former teammates, colleagues and supporters from his 25‑year Rossoneri career are expected to attend, reflecting his quarter‑century contribution to the club.

Weah wrote on X, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of my former AC Milan teammate and big brother, Franco Baresi, who lost his battle with a protracted illness on July 31,” describing the loss as irreparable.

He recalled that their paths crossed in the late 1990s when he joined the Italian Serie A side, noting Baresi’s guidance helped him settle at San Siro and praising him as a towering central figure in defence; the former Ballon d’Or winner highlighted Baresi’s influence on his adaptation to Italian football.

The two shared five seasons together from 1995 to 2000, winning Serie A titles in 1995‑96 and 1998‑99 under managers Fabio Capello and Alberto Zaccheroni, championships that highlighted their on‑field partnership.

Baresi spent his entire 20‑year professional career with AC Milan, is remembered as one of the greatest defenders in football history, and his legacy remains integral to the club’s identity.

A recent photograph shows Baresi observing an AC Milan match against Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on 15 December 2024, underscoring his lasting presence at the San Siro even after his passing.