Tribute and Discontent at Franco Baresi's Funeral: Fans Jeer Owner

An emotional farewell was held for the iconic AC Milan captain, Franco Baresi, with fans and club legends in attendance. However, the somber occasion was punctuated by jeers aimed at current club patron, Gerry Cardinale.

Baresi, who passed away last week at the age of 66 after battling pulmonary nodules discovered in August 2025, was honored at the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio in Milan. His funeral was broadcast on Rete 4 in Italy and was attended by former teammates, colleagues, and friends.

Thousands of fans lined the streets surrounding the church, transforming the area into an extension of the San Siro's Curva Sud. They displayed large flags, banners, and set off fireworks, all while chanting Baresi's name and the songs that once echoed through the stadium. A prominent banner proclaimed, "Legend, immortal, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Ciao Captain." The chants and songs for Baresi created a poignant atmosphere as supporters offered their final salute to their beloved captain.

Despite the outpouring of love for Baresi, the mood shifted when RedBird patron and AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale arrived. His presence, both upon arrival and after the funeral as he spoke to reporters outside the basilica, was met with loud jeers from a portion of the supporters. Chants calling for the American owner to sell the club and depart were also audible.

Current President Paolo Scaroni and the Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, also faced audible jeers. This unfortunate display of discontent was not the ideal backdrop for bidding farewell to Baresi, who had served as the honorary vice-president of AC Milan during Cardinale's ownership tenure.

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English Translation:

Emotional scenes unfolded as fans and club legends bid farewell at Franco Baresi’s funeral, but the occasion was also marked by jeers directed at current patron Gerry Cardinale.

The iconic captain passed away last week at the age of 66, having been undergoing treatment after the discovery of pulmonary nodules in August 2025.

His funeral took place this morning at the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio in Milan and was televised on Rete 4 in Italy, with former teammates, colleagues, and friends in attendance.

Thousands of fans lined the streets, turning the area around the church into an extension of the Curva Sud of San Siro, complete with large flags, banners, fireworks, and chants. A significant banner read, "Legend, immortal, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Ciao Captain." It was an emotional experience to hear the supporters chant Baresi’s name and the songs that had resonated around the stadium whenever he took to the pitch, this time offering their final salute.

However, the stadium atmosphere spilled over somewhat when RedBird patron and Milan owner Cardinale arrived. After the funeral, as he emerged from the basilica and spoke to reporters, he was drowned out by loud jeers from some of the supporters, along with the familiar calls for the American to sell up and leave the Rossoneri.

Current President Paolo Scaroni and the Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, also faced audible jeers. This was not the ideal way to say goodbye to Baresi, who had, after all, still been the honorary vice-president of AC Milan, working under Cardinale’s tenure.