One AC Milan's notable figures has passed away. Former defender and Italy coach Cesare Maldini says goodbye to us at the age of 84. The Serie A club making the announcement on their website. In a statement the club expressed condolences to his family -- saying "All of Milan, all the people and the Milan figures express condolences to Mrs Maldini, their children and grandchildren."

Maldini rose to prominence in 1963 as AC won the European Cup. He also four Serie A titles with the club, playing more than 400 games there.

Maldini, who played 25 times for Italy, took over as manager of the national team in 1996. He led Italy to the 1998 World Cup finals, where they reached the quarter-finals, losing to the eventual champs and hosts France .

Cesare Maldini worked extensively on the growth and the development of Italian youth coaching the likes of his own son, Paolo Maldini and Francesco Totti, Gianluigi Buffon as well as Fabio Cannavaro.