Goodbye to Baresi: Savicevic regrets “a shame” not having won the Ball

Context

Dejan Savicevic, who played alongside Franco Baresi during Milan's golden years, expresses his admiration for one of the greatest defenders in football history. The relationship between the two players, marked by memorable moments such as the 1988 European Cup, is a testament to Baresi's influence on Savicevic's development as a player. Savicevic's criticism of Baresi's lack of recognition for the Ballon d'Or also reflects a view shared by many within the Milan universe.

Why this matters

Dejan Savicevic's tribute to Franco Baresi highlights the former Milan captain's importance in the club's history and football in general. The absence of recognition like the Ballon d'Or for Baresi is seen as an injustice, reflecting the opinion of many fans and football experts. This type of discussion is crucial to understanding the legacy of players who shaped Serie A and Milan.

Main conclusions

Goodbye to Baresi: Savicevic regrets “a shame” not having won the Ball.
Savicevic pays tribute to Baresi, calls him Milan's unique leader and considers it unfair that he never received the Ballon d'Or, remembering memorable moments and his help in the first days at San Siro.
Addition to Baresi, the ricordo of Savicevic: "Una vergogna che non abbia vinto il Pallone d'Oro".

Dejan Savicevic left a heartfelt tribute to Franco Baresi, the greatest figure in Milan's history, highlighting the human and football dimension of the eternal Rossoneri number 6. "He was Milan, a unique leader. It's a shame they didn't give him the Ballon d'Or," said the Montenegrin, who shared a dressing room with the captain during the club's golden years. For Savicevic, Baresi was “a great person, a great man and a courageous teammate”, gifted with a unique reading of the game that put him one step ahead of everyone.

The first cross between the two dates back to the 1988 European Cup, when Milan faced Red Star. "I remember missing a penalty and Franco scored. Milan won the World Cup", he recalled. The reverence is unequivocal: "Baresi was one of the strongest. In fact, he was the strongest." In the hierarchy of the greatest defenders of all time, Savicevic places the former captain side by side with Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini, two unmissable names in world football. “Franco won a lot, but he should have won even more”, he reinforced.

The ex-Rossoneri star's most scathing criticism is directed at the history of the most prestigious individual award in European football: "How is it possible not to give the Ballon d'Or to Baresi? It was a shame. Rijkaard was a great midfielder, but Franco was something else: a phenomenon." The words reflect an old conviction in the Milanese universe: the number 6's career, made up of trophies and imperial displays, deserved this recognition.

Savicevic also pulled back the behind-the-scenes curtain to reveal Baresi's human impact. In the difficult first months at San Siro, it was the captain who slowed his exit: "When I wanted to leave, he said to me: 'Where do you want to go? We're in Milan, where will you be better? Don't give up'." This example, he guarantees, was daily: Baresi “never gave up” and “infected everyone with his happiness”.

Among his favorite memories, Savicevic chooses a moment from the 1995 championship, against Padova: after scoring, Baresi “ran like a child, in ecstasy”, but quickly regained his competitive gravity, remembering that “you had to keep working”. The image sums up the captain: emotional and winning, but relentless in his demands.

In addition to the personal memories, there is the legacy: Milan's greatest symbol, the number 6 shirt immortalized in the club, multiple European and domestic achievements and a defense school that influenced generations. Savicevic ended the message with a simple and moving promise: "I will do anything to say goodbye to him. He was my captain and my friend." A statement that echoes the feeling of an unforgettable era at San Siro and the eternal admiration for a leader who marked the game like few others.

What happens next

Savicevic's statement is expected to revive the debate over the recognition of Baresi and other great Serie A players who have not received individual awards. Furthermore, it could lead to a greater appreciation of Baresi's career among young football fans, who may not know the depth of his impact on Milan and Italian football. The Milan community can come together to celebrate Baresi's career, reinforcing his importance in the club's history.

Frequently asked questions

What did Dejan Savicevic say about Franco Baresi?

Dejan Savicevic regretted that Franco Baresi did not win the Ballon d'Or, considering this omission a shame and highlighting the human and footballing greatness of the former Milan captain.

Who confirmed the importance of Franco Baresi at Milan?

Dejan Savicevic, who shared a dressing room with Baresi, confirmed his importance, describing him as a unique leader and a central figure in Milan's history.

Why does Savicevic criticize Baresi for not awarding the Ballon d'Or?

Savicevic criticizes the non-awarding of the Ballon d'Or to Baresi because he believes that his career, full of trophies and exceptional performances, deserved this recognition.

What changes does Savicevic suggest about the history of the Ballon d'Or?

Savicevic suggests that the history of the Ballon d'Or should be reviewed, especially in relation to players like Baresi, who he believes should have received more recognition.

What is the relationship between Savicevic and Baresi?

Savicevic and Baresi were teammates at Milan during the club's golden years, and Savicevic expressed great admiration and respect for Baresi.

Farewell to Baresi: Savicevic regrets “a shame” not having won the Ball