Jamie Carragher declares 'sad day for football' as tragic news confirmed

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesJamie CarragherJamie Carragher has paid tribute to AC Milan legend Franco Baresi following his death at the age of 66, with the former Liverpool defender describing him as the "greatest" center-back he ever sawSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)Jamie Carragher has paid an emotional tribute to Franco Baresi after the AC Milan legend’s death at the age of 66.Baresi is considered one of the greatest ever defenders in the history of soccer. The Italian spent his whole career at Milan, making 719 appearances for the club and captaining the side for 15 seasons.He was also capped 81 times by Italy and was part of the World Cup-winning side of 1982.

Baresi went on to captain his country in the 1994 final, despite missing much of the tournament through injury, which Italy lost to Brazil on penalties.In a statement, his former club wrote: “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 No 6 shirt is.”Baresi won six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues during a storied career which also saw him finish as runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 1989.Carragher was among his biggest fans, having regularly held him up as his inspiration, and the Liverpool legend took to X on Friday to pay tribute to his hero.Content cannot be displayed without consent“It’s always a sad day for football when one of the all time greats pass away, and that’s exactly what Franco Baresi was,” Carragher wrote.“I’ve always seen him as the greatest centre back I ever saw & the ultimate one club man.

RIP Capitano.”Baresi underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a lung nodule, with his last public appearance coming at Milan’s home ground for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at the San Siro in February.In a further statement on Friday, his former club said: “Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult.Legendary AC Milan captain Franco Baresi has died aged 66“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.“In memory of Franco, we stand united, knowing he'll guide and push us throughout our Rossoneri journey.