Legendary AC Milan defender Baresi has surgery for nodule | OneFootball

Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and will begin a course of immunotherapy.

The 65-year-old is still working with the Rossoneri as an Honorary Vice President, which is why the club released a formal statement on his situation.

He was found to have a pulmonary nodule, which was removed with a minimally invasive surgical procedure, and his recovery has been free of complications.

An oncology specialist suggested a consolidative course of immunotherapy.

Baresi to begin immunotherapy treatment

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Filippo Inzaghi, Franco Baresi and Marco van Basten with their commemorative plate after being inducted in to the AC Milan Hall of Fame prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan also passed on a message from Baresi himself.

“Dear fans, I just want to let you know that it will take me a little time to get back to full strength. Thank you to AC Milan and to all of you for your support. A big hug, with affection.”

He turned 65 in May and was a truly one-club man in his playing career, going from the Milan youth academy to the senior squad in 1977 and remaining there until his retirement in July 1997.

The central defender made 716 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring 33 goals and providing 24 assists.

He won three European Cups, six Serie A titles, three UEFA Super Cups, four Italian Super Cups and two editions of the Intercontinental Cup.

Baresi was also a legend for Italy, amassing 81 senior caps, participating in the 1982 World Cup winning campaign.