Baresi makes first visit to AC Milan training since illness announced 3 months ago

AC Milan legend and Honorary Vice President Franco Baresi was a welcome visitor to the training ground today, the first since his illness was diagnosed.

The 65-year-old announced in August that he had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule and had begun a course of immunotherapy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport note that the treatment has been going well, so that he made his first visit to the club headquarters last week, then today was spotted for the first time at the Milanello training ground.

Baresi can inspire AC Milan squad

His presence can help boost confidence going into the Derby della Madonnina, a fixture he played many times during his storied career in the Rossoneri jersey.

Current consultant Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also present at Milanello today, as Max Allegria and the squad prepare to face rivals Inter on Sunday evening.

Baresi was a one-club man throughout his career, moving up through the Milan youth academy to the senior squad in 1977, going on to become captain before his retirement in 1997.

The defender made 716 official appearances for the team, winning three European Cups, six Serie A titles, three UEFA Super Cups, four Italian Super Cups and two editions of the Intercontinental Cup.