Baresi bids farewell to Fulham

Franco Baresi has resigned as director of football at Fulham FC after just two months.

Six-month contract
The English club confirmed today that the 42-year-old, who served Milan AC and Italy for distinction for 20 years, had left. Baresi had signed a six-month contract in June to work alongside manager Jean Tigana.

'Sensible outcome'
"I have decided that it would be in my own professional interests, and also a sensible outcome for Fulham FC, to terminate our brief relationship," Baresi said. "While all parties have worked constructively to develop our respective roles, I am disappointed that the nature of my position with Fulham was not as I had envisaged it when I was first approached."

Right time
"It makes sense to recognise this sooner rather than later, and particularly before I make commitments which involve not only myself but also my family," he added. Baresi, capped 88 times by Italy, was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads, winning the tournament in 1982.

Many honours
He joined Milan in 1977 and remained there until his retirement from football in 1997. He won six Serie A titles, three European Champion Clubs' Cups and two European/South American Cups.