Franco Baresi Funeral: Milan Fans Honor Legend Amidst Jeers for Owner Cardinale
Emotional scenes unfolded as fans and club legends bid farewell to Franco Baresi at his funeral. The iconic captain, who passed away at 66 after receiving treatment for pulmonary nodules, was honored by thousands of supporters outside Milan's Basilica Sant'Ambrogio. The event, televised in Italy, was attended by former teammates, colleagues, and friends.
The area surrounding the church transformed into a vibrant tribute, reminiscent of San Siro's Curva Sud, with vast flags, banners, fireworks, and chants. A large banner proclaimed Baresi as a "Legend, immortal, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Ciao Captain." The atmosphere was deeply moving as supporters chanted Baresi's name and sang songs that once echoed through the stadium, offering their final salute.
However, the palpable stadium atmosphere spilled outside the basilica as RedBird patron and Milan owner Gerry Cardinale arrived and later emerged to speak with reporters. His presence was met with loud jeers from a section of the supporters, alongside familiar calls for him to sell the club. Current President Paolo Scaroni and Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala also faced audible jeers.
This discordant reception was not the ideal way to conclude the tribute to Baresi, who had served as the honorary vice president of AC Milan during Cardinale's ownership period.
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