Tributes poured in following the announcement of the death of world football legend, Giacinto Facchetti, who died of cancer in Milan on 4th September, age 64. Widely acknowledged as the original attacking defender, the 6'4" full back and Captain of Inter made 476 appearances for his club and 94 for his country – 70 times as Azzurri Captain. While playing as a forward for Treviglio, teenage Facchetti was spotted by team-maker Helenio Herrera and signed to Internazionale Milan in 1960. Herrera deployed him as left back where he developed a then unprecedented style of driving through to the opponents goal area. Calling on his finishing instincts, Facchetti scored almost 60 goals as a full back, significantly contributing to a golden age for Inter in the 1960’s while setting a style emulated around the world. He retired as a player in 1978 but went on to become Vice President of Inter and President in 2004. Honours with Inter and Italy: 4 Scudetto (1963, 65, 66, 71) 2 European Cups (1964, 65) 2 World Club Cup (1964, 65) 1 Coppa Italia (1978) 1 European Nations Cup (1968) World Cup runners-up (1970) 18 July 1942 – 04 September 2006
Rest in peace Giacinto! Although if there are football stadiums in heaven you´re already playing, I´d think!
The city of Milan came to a standstill today and a general silence was observed for the funeral of 'Il Capitano'. Inter have petitioned the Italian Federation for permission to retire the No.3 shirt from their club in honour of Giacinto Facchetti. No.9
