Former AC Milan captain Franco Baresi is no stranger to success.
His illustrious playing career has seen him lift an incredible 20 trophies.
So you can imagine what he said when we asked him to pick his five best ever moments in football – “It’s not easy to choose five.”
The Italian World Cup Winner – who was appointed Milan’s Honorary Vice-President of the Club last year – joined Skrill exclusively to look back over his 20-year career and pick out his five best moments.
1. AC Milan Debut – 1978
Rejected from rivals Inter at youth level, Franco was signed by Milan shortly after and made his first team debut at the age of 17 during the 1977/1978 season.
2. First Scudetto – 1979
The following season Franco had become a regular starter for the Rossoneri, making 30 appearances in Serie A and helping his team lift their first Scudetto in more than ten years.
Describing what's needed to win Serie A, Baresi said: “Many factors contribute to achieving so many victories and to being successful and there must be a great cohesion among the Club, the team and the coach.
They must be on the same page. The team must think the same way and they must pursue the same culture and philosophy, but above all, everyone must all do their job with enthusiasm and passion.”
3. Winning the 1982 World Cup with Italy
It wasn’t just success with AC Milan that shaped Franco’s career. In 1982, he was part of the Italy side that lifted the country’s third World Cup.
4. First UEFA Champions League with AC Milan – 1989
Franco would have to wait 10 years until he won his first European trophy, winning the soon-to-be Champions League in the 1988/1989 season alongside some of the greatest players to grace the game – Ruud Guillit, Marco Van Basten and Paolo Maldini.
Reminiscing about that famous AC Milan team, Baresi said: “That team was full of great, extraordinary players who, in addition to being excellent players, were also people of great human depth.”
5. The unexpected final at the 1994 World Cup
For the 1994 World Cup, Franco was named captain of the national side. Despite missing most of the tournament through injury, he returned for the final where Italy lost to Brazil on penalties.
Reflecting on his career, Baresi said: “I was lucky because I won everything that was up for grabs with my team, this gave me so much joy and personal happiness, I feel very satisfied. Being the captain of many victories has gratified me a lot.”
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