Former Italy coach and player Cesare Maldini is dead!

Former Milan defender and Italy coach Cesare Maldini, who played in excess of 400 matches for Milan between 1954 and 1966, helping them to four Serie A titles and the European Cup in 1963, has died at the age of 84.

''Goodbye dear Cesare. Today the world loses a great man and we lose a page of our history. You will be missed,'' AC Milan tweeted.

His former club said Sunday in a statement: ''AC Milan sends its condolences to the Maldini following the passing of Rossoneri great Cesare Maldini. Cesare skippered the club to its first European Cup triumph in 1963 at Wembley and the loss of such a key figure in Rossoneri history has left everyone at AC Milan moved and saddened. Cesare had recently turned 84 and he left his mark at the club not only as a player, but also as a coach and scout. The club president Silvio Berlusconi and the rest of the club will always remember fondly his charisma, kindness and warm smile.''

His son Paolo followed his footsteps to play at Milan, while a grandson, Christian, plays for the under-19 team Milan Primavera.