FORMER Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died at the age of 86.
The notorious media mogul passed away in Milan, leaving behind a huge fortune.
Who was Silvio Berlusconi?
Silvio Berlusconi's was born on September 29, 1936, and was an Italian media tycoon and politician
He was Italy's longest-serving Prime Minister in the period following the Second World War.
Berlusconi served on three occasions, from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011.
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He stepped down for the last time in 2011 as Italy came close to a Greece-style debt crisis.
What was Silvio Berlusconi's cause of death and when did he die?
Berlusconi died on June 9, 2023, after being rushed to hospital.
No official cause of death has been revealed but he had been suffering from leukaemia "for some time" and recently developed a lung infection.
The flamboyant Forza Italia leader was admitted to hospital last week for what his aides said were pre-planned tests related to his illness.
But it came just three weeks after he was discharged following a six-week stay at the same hospital - during which time doctors found he had a rare type of blood cancer and he underwent intensive therapy.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Berlusconi's death leaves a "huge void".
What was Silvio Berlusconi's net worth?
Berlusconi was a very, very wealthy man, and a multi-billionbaire.
Upon his death he was worth a staggering $6.8billion (£5.4billion).
Due to his impressive bank-balance, Berlusconi was the third-wealthiest person in Italy.
How did Silvio Berlusconi make his money?
Berlusconi made his money through being a media mogul.
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He owned three national television channels via Mediaset, which accounted for half of the national television sector.
Berlusconi also owned Publitalia, the leading advertising and publicity agency in Italy.
Beyond that, he owned a controlling stake in the largest publishing house in Italy, whilst his brother owns and operates Il Giornale, a centre-right newspaper.
How much did Berlusconi sell AC Milan for?
Berlusconi became the owner and president of AC Milan football club in 1986, turning them into one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Under his reign, they won eight league titles, one Coppa Italia, seven Supercoppa, five European Cups, five UEFA Super Cups and three Intercontinental Cups or Club World Cups.
He sold the club for €740m in 2017 as he was unwilling to stump up the extra money required for the team to compete with the continent’s top clubs, many now bankrolled by wealthy Gulf and Asian owners.
In a statement at the time, Berlusconi said: “After more than 30 years I am ceding ownership of Milan and stepping down as president.
"I am saddened and moved, but aware that modern soccer requires investments and resources that a single family cannot sustain on its own."