Baresi funeral sees Milan fans pay tribute, but also jeer patron Cardinale

Baresi funeral sees Milan fans pay tribute, but also jeer patron Cardinale There were emotional scenes as the fans and club legends said goodbye at Franco Baresi’s funeral, but also some jeers aimed at current patron Gerry Cardinale. The iconic captain died last week at the age of 66 , he had been receiving treatment after announcing pulmonary nodules had been found in August 2025. His funeral was held this morning at the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio in Milan and it was televised on Rete 4 in Italy, attended by former teammates, colleagues and friends. Baresi given special Milan send-off MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 04: Supporters of AC Milan show a banner during the Franco Baresi’s funeral ceremony at Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio on August 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images) Thousands of fans lined the streets , turning the area around the church into a Curva Sud of San Siro, complete with huge flags, banners, fireworks and chants. ‘Legend, immortal, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Ciao Captain,’ read a large sign. MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 04: Paolo Maldini and his wife Adriana Fossa attend the Franco Baresi’s funeral ceremony at Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio on August 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images) It was emotional to hear the supporters chant Baresi’s name and the songs that had echoed around the arena whenever he took to the pitch, this time giving their final salute. However, the stadium atmosphere spilled out a little too much when RedBird patron and Milan owner Cardinale arrived, then after the funeral emerged from the basilica and spoke to reporters. MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 04: Daniele Massaro and Dejan Savićević attend Franco Baresi’s funeral ceremony at Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio on August 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images) He was drowned out by loud jeers from some of the supporters, along with the usual calls for the American to sell up and leave the Rossoneri. It was not the ideal way to say goodbye to Baresi, who had after all still been the honorary vice president of AC Milan, working in Cardinale’s tenure. There were also audible jeers for current President Paolo Scaroni, and Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala.