Antonio Cassano discusses his 'idols' Francesco Totti, Leo Messi and Paolo Maldini, whilst eyeing an Azzurri return.
The fantasista became a free agent after ending his contract with Parma at the end of January, and in his idle time had the opportunity to discuss his career with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“My idol? At first it was [Diego Armando] Maradona, then there was Totti,” he said. “In fact I chose Roma ten years ago because of him.
Antonio Cassano discusses his 'idols' Francesco Totti, Leo Messi and Paolo Maldini, whilst eyeing an Azzurri return.
The fantasista became a free agent after ending his contract with Parma at the end of January, and in his idle time had the opportunity to discuss his career with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“My idol? At first it was [Diego Armando] Maradona, then there was Totti,” he said. “In fact I chose Roma ten years ago because of him.
“Then came my illumination, ten years ago. I'm difficult to impress by other people's moves, but I never tire of watching Messi.
“I found the courage to speak to him only in 2011, before Barcelona-Milan, 2-2.
“I walked up to him and I only said, 'in terms of football, you're above God'. He does what Maradona did, but three or four gears above.
“I've always had an instinct to mock those I play against, because I always felt strong enough to do that.
“But even when I overdid it, there was one person that made it impossible not so much doing it, but even trying such a thing.
“I'm talking about the 'maestro' Paolo Maldini, who was the strongest without being the hardest. He wins 10-0 against everybody else.”
The 32-year-old then revealed that he has not given up on the Azzurri.
“I miss my job a lot and I hope I can play again soon. I've had offers from Olympiacos, Sporting Lisbon and Atletico Mineiro, but I'm still hoping someone in our league will call because I'd like to return to the national team.
“It's like shooting for an impossible target, so at the very least I must make the best decision to give it a try.”
Fantantonio was also asked about his weak points.
“I'll mention only one, but it counts for all the others: food. It's an impossible war to win, last time I lost was a month ago.
“I spent a week at the Maldives and I was slim, then I spent a week on the mountains eating polenta and gorgonzola and I picked up no less than eight kilos.
“My record is a whole salami of 30 centimetres. I spent a night in hell, I couldn't stop throwing up.”