In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Milan player Savicevic fondly recalled his former captain Baresi and talked about their time playing together. He stated that Baresi was not only a great player and leader but also a friend, and expressed his indignation that Baresi never won the Ballon d'Or.

The former Milan midfield maestro became emotional when speaking about his former captain: "When I first arrived at Milan, he helped me a lot. I still remember the goal he scored against Padova, when he was already 35, but he celebrated like a child. If he didn't win the Ballon d'Or, it was the journalists' fault, they all voted for Rijkaard... I felt a heavy knot in my stomach, a weight you can't imagine. Poor Franco, I was truly sad. He was my captain, my great captain. He cared a lot about me, and about us, because we represented Milan. But he himself was Milan. There was no one like him in the past, and there will be no one like him in the future."

What kind of person was Baresi?

Savicevic: "He was a very good person, and a true man. He was also a great teammate, an incredible player. He instinctively understood football, could comprehend everything on the field, and had an unbelievable ability to read the game. San Siro used to sing: 'Captain, only one captain.' Hearing those songs was truly beautiful, it would give you goosebumps, and it would also give strength to everyone."

When did you meet him?

Savicevic: "I knew who he was very early on. He was a very strong and famous defender. In Yugoslavia, at Red Star Belgrade, people always spoke highly of him. Later we met in the 1988 European Cup, first at San Siro, and then in Belgrade."

That was the famous foggy night, and the penalty shootout...

Savicevic: "That's right. I only remember that I missed a penalty, and Franco scored. Afterwards, Milan deservedly won the championship. It was a very good team, and Franco was one of the strongest players. No, no, sorry, he was the strongest."

Some people now say he was better than Beckenbauer. Do you agree?

Savicevic: "I only saw Beckenbauer play for the national team. I was a child then, and my memories of him are very distant. He was a champion player, with extraordinary skill and temperament. Baresi was on the same level as him. No, I should say, Baresi and Paolo Maldini are the greatest players in the world. Franco won many honors, but he should have won more."

Including the Ballon d'Or?

Savicevic: "Especially the Ballon d'Or. Come on, it's a disgrace. How can you not give the Ballon d'Or to Baresi? But it's all your fault..."

How is it our fault?

Savicevic: "It's the fault of you journalists. You didn't vote for him. The winners were always the Dutch, Rijkaard was always ahead of him, getting many first-place votes. I completely respect Rijkaard, but we're talking about a midfielder, he passed well, played well. But Baresi was on a completely different level, he was a true phenomenon. Listen, don't talk to me about the Ballon d'Or, when I hear about it, I get so angry..."

The German Sammer won the Ballon d'Or...

Savicevic: "Cannavaro also won it, right? But Baresi didn't. He was one of the greatest defenders in football history. I'm not saying it's a disgrace that Sammer and Cannavaro won, but they can't be compared to Baresi. However, Franco had another great quality, which was that he wouldn't get angry about it. He would say: 'Alright, forget it, don't think about it anymore, let's be positive.' He was a leader, always able to put these things aside."

What was the relationship like between the "genius" and the "captain"?

Savicevic: "Very good. He would help everyone. I always felt he was by my side. He didn't talk much, but he was always there. When I first arrived at Milan, I was in a slump, not getting playing time, and feeling very down. Franco would hug me and comfort me, saying: 'Come on, Dejan, be patient. We have a lot of people on our team, and everyone is excellent.'

At that time, I wanted to leave, and he would say to me: 'Where do you want to go? We are in Milan now, where else can you find a better place than here?' He would also say to me: 'Don't get angry, and don't give up.' He himself never gave up. He would always bring you a part of his joy."

Is there any particular moment that you find especially unforgettable?

Savicevic: "There were many such moments. I could mention a certain cup match, or a certain final. But what I truly remember is the goal he scored against Padova. That scene has always been deeply imprinted in my mind. It was the first round of the league in 1995, and also Weah and Roberto Baggio's first match. George scored a beautiful header, and then Padova equalized. After that, Franco suddenly pushed forward to join the attack. Weah gave him a good pass, and Franco chested the ball down in the box, letting it drop to his thigh, then gently nudged it with the inside of his foot into the bottom corner of the goal. You should have seen how happy he was at that moment. He ran like a child, almost completely immersed in joy. We all rushed over to hug him, piling on top of him. That scene was very touching.

At that time, Franco was already 35, had played about 500 league games, but was still as excited and emotional as a child. But then, when he went for a TV interview, he seriously said: 'Guys, we still need to keep working hard, there's a lot of work to do.'"

Are there any other moments?

Savicevic: "The final against Barcelona in Athens. He didn't play due to suspension, but it felt like he was on the field the whole time. I can imagine how agonizing it must have been for him. He loved Milan deeply, Milan was ingrained in him. We later told him: 'Franco, you were on the field with us too.' He was a very sensitive person. I also remember him crying after the World Cup final in the US. Milan had become European champions, and he had the chance to become a world champion.

He had a meniscus injury, but he immediately rushed back, insisting on playing in the final. He missed a penalty because he took the responsibility, being the first to step up to take it. At that moment, I felt incredibly sad for him."

But you also shared many wonderful moments together, such as the 1995 Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Do you remember?

Savicevic: "What kind of question is that? How could I forget something like that? We won 1-0 away, then 2-0 at San Siro."

And Savicevic scored two goals.

Savicevic: "At that time, Paris Saint-Germain had Weah, Bravo, and Ginola. When the game ended and we were leaving the field, Franco hugged me and said: 'Damn, Dejan, you really are a f***ing genius.' Later I got injured and couldn't play in the final against Ajax. We had a chance to win the championship for the second consecutive year. Those were always beautiful memories. But now, Franco is gone."

When was the last time you contacted him?

Savicevic: "I think it was in May this year. I always kept in touch with him through Daniele Massaro. A while ago, I also attended an event with him for a Milan fan club near Bergamo. He was always so kind, and always willing to help others."

Will you come to pay your last respects?

Savicevic: "Of course. I will do everything I can to get there. He was my captain, and my friend. But why not hold his funeral at Milan Cathedral? He was Franco Baresi, he deserved to be bid farewell at Milan Cathedral, just like artists and politicians. On Tuesday, I will arrive at the cathedral doors fifteen minutes early."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com