Franco Baresi eager to lend a hand to help rebuild Rangers

IN THE AC Milan Glorie team that will take to the Ibrox turf tonight, no player will be more glorious than Franco Baresi.In the modern age, no defender has so utterly reinvented a position.

He won six Scudettos and three European Cups in 719 games for a Milan side who in the early 1990s dominated and delighted on the continental scene as Barcelona do presently.

Even now, he remains the first name that is checked whenever any football aficionado wants to discuss the capacity for being both creative and destructive while occupying the sweeper berth.

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Baresi, now a grizzled 51, could always adapt to his surroundings. And he did so seamlessly when previewing his old, and gold, timers outing at a ground he last played on 20 years ago, when Italy were held to a scoreless draw by Scotland.

The Glorie usually only play games for clubs’ charity foundations. Baresi, though, sees nothing inglorious about the fact that a healthy helping of the proceeds from tonight’s occasion will be funnelled back from Rangers charity wing to the administration hit club itself.

“We discovered 20 days ago that some of the money would be used to help Rangers and nobody changed their position one inch,” he said, through an interpreter. “It was made clear to us and everybody is very happy to be here for the charity and also for the club.”

Baresi well understands how great is Rangers’ need. “I was surprised to hear what had happened to Rangers and I am sorry they are in this situation. It is sad for a club such as this. It’s not easy for anyone connected to them and that is why we are here – to make our contribution,” he said.

“Rangers have our best wishes and we hope that they will find someone to come in and find a solution for them so they can be competitive again in the near future. This game also gives the supporters the chance to help Rangers because it isn’t correct that a team with their history should be on the edge because of the actions of a couple of people. I think the tickets have been selling so well because people have a need to be involved – the Rangers family wants to show that they will be there in a time of need.

“Football cannot afford to lose a club which draws 50,000 to every home game. What has happened is a shame but these fans are incredible and we must find a way back for them. So if we can contribute in a small way then we are happy to do it.

“I like the atmosphere at games in Scotland. It’s completely different from Italy. It’s beautiful.”