Milan legend Baresi: Maradona is the best player I ever played against

Franco Baresi is widely considered to be one of the game's greatest ever defenders.

The Italian won everyone he could have won in the game in his illustrious career with AC Milan and Italy.

MARCA had the honour of sitting to speak with the 60-year-old.

You're considered to be one of the best defenders in history. Could you describe your style?

I knew I was talented, but I knew that if I really wanted to be the best then I'd have to work hard and be consistent. I guess these are the things that made me who I was.

You played for AC Milan for 20 years. What do that club and city mean to you?

Milan is my life, a passion. I arrived as a teenager and won everything possible. I think back to my childhood, the steps I had to take and the obstacles I had to overcome... I arrived as a teenager, now I'm 60 and a little wiser and more mature.

I experienced so much with Milan, as a player and in management. It's been a long path; I've met a lot of people who have made me grow and to continually improve.

Milan is my city. I love its culture, its food and its art. It's a place where you can keep growing.

You were named Milan captain at 22 and led the side for most of your career. How did you deal with the captaincy?

I'm so proud to have had the chance to captain Milan for so many years; I wore the armband for 15 years and it's something that has an incredible effect on the wearer.

Maybe I wasn't ready at 22, but I learned along the way and I had to stand out on the pitch. It wasn't just my voice, I had to inspire my teammates, to show courage and never leave anyone behind.

You won the World Cup in 1982 and were a runner-up in 1994. Could you describe how it felt to win it and lose it so dramatically?

Being part of and playing in a World Cup is always a success. In 1982 it was a unique experience to win it and see an entire country celebrate. It was simply unforgettable.

The disappointment of '94 has gradually faded, but I have thought about it over the years.

What made you stay at Milan for your whole career? Were you never tempted to leave?

I always believed in the club; I knew I could achieve my goals [with them]. Milan gave me everything and I always tried to give them my best.

You've played with some of the best players in history. Who do you think are the best players you played with and against?

I've had so many incredible teammates that I couldn't choose one. But if I had to choose the strongest opponent, I'd say [Diego] Maradona.

You were coached by Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. How are their styles and what's it like to work under them?

Sacchi was a perfectionist and completely changed football in Italy, while Capello was an expert and very detailed in his work. Both are very important to me.

Is there a player, current or retired, with whom you'd have liked to play?

I lived through an era with extraordinary players, so for me I'm lucky enough to have had the honour of playing with them and winning everything.

What did it mean to play against your brother, Giuseppe, in the Milan derby in 1079/80?

Derbies are always exciting and even more so when you play against your brother. It was great for our family and a reason to celebrate.