Antonio Cassano assured he has put his party boy reputation behind him and is ready to play in Italy, but feels Francesco Totti should keep going too.
FantAntonio did not play at all this season following a contract dispute with Sampdoria, though he has been heavily linked with Hellas Verona and his old partner Giampaolo Pazzini.
Antonio Cassano assured he has put his party boy reputation behind him and is ready to play in Italy, but feels Francesco Totti should keep going too.
FantAntonio did not play at all this season following a contract dispute with Sampdoria, though he has been heavily linked with Hellas Verona and his old partner Giampaolo Pazzini.
“I’m still the best in Italy,” smiled the 34-year-old on Sky Sport Italia. “That’s reason enough to sign me. Everyone remembers the ‘Cassanate,’ but I have improved. Alright, I’m not a saint, at times I can get things wrong, but I am convinced that I can still make a difference.
“Verona called me in January, now we are waiting to see what happens. Many clubs are coming forward. I need to start training soon to get into shape. I’ll join the first club that makes a concrete proposal.
“I have never played for money, as I rejected offers from China and the United Arab Emirates, because I want to remain in Italy.
“I still love Parma and its fans, as I always tell my wife. They haven’t approached me, but for Parma I’d even take a step back into Serie B.”
Cassano wants to keep going, but his old Roma teammate Totti has been forced to halt his playing career at the age of 40.
“The last time I spoke to him, Totti was convinced he would keep playing. He can still comfortably play 20 games a season in the current Serie A landscape.
“Juventus are three steps ahead of the rest, as I always say to Lorenzo Insigne, even if I hope he can win the Scudetto with Napoli. I met him on international duty, he’s a good guy, humble and our families get along well. He is in love with Naples and wants to stay.”
Cassano had less encouraging words for Mario Balotelli and Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“Balotelli had a good career and he’s fortunate to have Mino Raiola as an agent to help him earn a lot of money. I think Nice is the level he belongs at, really.
“In Donnarumma’s place, I’d stay at Milan for at least a few more years. Having said that, you can’t turn Real Madrid down. It would be good for Italian football if he stayed in Serie A, though.”