MILAN: Former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi is recovering well after undergoing surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule, the Serie A club confirmed on Sunday.

The honorary vice president and ex-captain of Milan underwent a routine medical check which revealed the issue and will undergo oncological recovery with immunotherapy.

`Dear fans, I just want to let you know that it will take me a little time to get back to full strength, Baresi said in a statement.

Baresi, 65, is regarded as an icon at San Siro, having spent his 20-year career with the club and captaining the team for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997.-Reuters