AC Milan legend Franco Baresi dies at 66

MILAN, Italy — Franco Baresi, one of Italian football's most celebrated players, has died at the age of 66, AC Milan announced. The cause of death was not disclosed by the club, which said Baresi's No. 6 shirt would remain an enduring symbol of the team and that his example would always be remembered. Baresi spent his entire senior career at Milan, playing for the club from 1977 until his retirement in 1997. The defender made 719 appearances for Milan, placing him among the most-capped players in the club's history. During his career, which ran from 1978 to 1996, he won six Serie A titles and lifted the European Cup with Milan in 1989, 1990 and 1994. A statement published by Milan did not link his death to surgery he underwent last summer to remove a nodule from his lung. Known for his commanding presence in central defense, Baresi is regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history.