AC Milan released an official statement on Wednesday denying false reports that club legend Franco Baresi had died, after online rumours prompted a wave of tributes from supporters and public figures alike.
Sports newspaper Tuttosport had claimed the 66-year-old had passed away, leading Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini and others to share messages mourning the former defender, who is also known by his nickname "Piscinin."
"AC Milan denies the false reports concerning Franco Baresi that have begun circulating in recent minutes," the club's statement read. "Franco is going through a difficult and delicate time, and the Club stands firmly alongside him and his family. We urge everyone to respect their privacy and refrain from spreading entirely unfounded information."
Baresi underwent lung surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and subsequently underwent a course of cancer-prevention immunotherapy. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he is currently being monitored at the Humanitas hospital in Rozzano, in the Milanese suburbs. He is thought to have pulled out of visiting Milan's pre-season training camp at Milanello earlier this month due to ill-health.
His most recent public appearance came as a torchbearer at this year's Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, held at the San Siro, where he passed the flame alongside former Inter Milan rival Beppe Bergomi.
Baresi served as Milan captain for 15 seasons and was named the club's Player of the Century in 1999. A six-time Serie A winner, he also claimed three European Cups and a World Cup with Italy in 1982.
