[KillerMax]

Antonio Cassano has bitterly criticised Fabio Capello and Real Madrid, but it’s reported Milan turned down the chance to sign him and Ronaldo in a package deal.

“When Capello left Roma I was the only one to defend him, and believe me that approach cost me a great deal both in terms of friendships and economically. I was forced to leave,” explained the fiery talent.


“The Coach often spoke highly of me when he moved away, but here I made one mistake and he immediately cut me loose.”


Cassano always hailed ‘Don Fabio’ as his mentor, effectively freezing him out of a Giallorossi environment that was horrified by the switch to Juventus three seasons ago, but their reunion at the Bernabeu has proved less that idyllic.


The ex-Bari starlet was substituted at half-time in the 1-0 defeat to Getafe on October 14 and has barely set foot on the field since.


“In at least 10 games I warmed up without ever coming on, and I remember each one,” he told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’.


“I lost 8kg and worked hard, but now I’m the last choice striker. Apart from Ronaldo, who is a level above, I think I’m on a par with everyone else here.”


Yet today Spanish newspaper ‘As’ suggests a shock transfer deal is in the air for the January window. It’s claimed that Real directors offered Ronaldo and Cassano to Milan in a two-for-one package, but Adriano Galliani rejected the proposal because both are Cup-tied in Europe.


Now Cassano is forced to re-evaluate his future and realise not many clubs can afford his £2.8m per season wages.


“Inter or Milan? The Nerazzurri play very well, while the Rossoneri have a lot of problems to resolve and it’s by no means certain I am their solution,” confessed the Italian international.


“I need affection, respect, to feel loved and considered important for a club. At Madrid, I have none of the above. Without these elements, I can’t perform. I have had my smile taken away here. In football terms, I am no longer myself.”

Football Italia

[KillerMax]

Mancio welcomes Cassano

Inter Coach Roberto Mancini has admitted that he would be more than happy to have Antonio Cassano in his squad next season.

The Bari-born striker has been paired with a January return to the peninsula after his relationship with Fabio Capello deteriorated, although there have been no firm offers.

“I would be happy to have Cassano, I think he is a player who has great technical qualities, but is going through a difficult moment, which I am sure he will overcome,” said Mancini.

“We would all have a lot to gain if he were to return to Italy. However, I am aware that it might be difficult to integrate him into a side now that the season is well underway.

“In any case, I don’t think that Real Madrid will let him leave – yesterday he was on the bench. Andriy Shevchenko? I would be happy to sign him as well.”
Mancini was also questioned about Luis Figo and his transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in July, but the Coach insisted that he did not speak to the player about this issue.

“We had nothing to clarify – he has a contract with Inter. But contracts expire and it is normal for players to take the decisions that they consider the best. In any case, I never thought he would leave in January.”

The tactician has yet to decide which players will face Empoli in the first leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-final, which he believes will be an important test in view of Saturday’s Serie A match with Torino.

“I will decide who to call-up after today’s training, it depends on my men’s condition. We worked well in Bahrain, but we must now pick up from where we left.

"Tomorrow’s match will be useful to evaluate the team’s condition, which seems to be good,” concluded Mancini.

Football Italia

This post has been edited by pKillerMax: Jan 9 2007, 12:21 AM