Cesare Prandelli insists Antonio Cassano made “a very honest decision” in retiring from football.
The forward signed for Verona on a free transfer on July 10, but just eight days later he called a Press conference to announce his retirement.
When FantAntonio turned up to face the media though, he declared that he had changed his mind and that he wouldn’t retire after all.
Cesare Prandelli insists Antonio Cassano made “a very honest decision” in retiring from football.
The forward signed for Verona on a free transfer on July 10, but just eight days later he called a Press conference to announce his retirement.
When FantAntonio turned up to face the media though, he declared that he had changed his mind and that he wouldn’t retire after all.
That appeared to be the end of the matter, but yesterday Cassano left the Butei, then announced he was hanging up his boots.
“I think this was a very honest decision, worthy of what I’ve always thought of this lad,” Prandelli, who took Cassano to Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup as Italy CT, explained to La Repubblica.
“Antonio has important values, he’s strongly attached to his family. In taking a decision like this, I’m convinced he had respect for all of us: the Verona fans, the city, but also the President and the club.
“He didn’t want to stay in a place without having the right soul to be there, the right motivation.
“I’m convinced that this was a bold, but very dignified decision at the same time. He must be given a big round of applause.
“This isn’t a ‘Cassanata’ as is often said, this is the balanced choice of a mature man who is aware of his priorities at 35.
“I’m disappointed because I think he could have still done important things, I’m disappointed for the Verona fans but also all fans of this sport.
“We know his history, we know what he’s capable of with the ball at his feet.
“Antonio says he can’t stay without his family, and he preferred to give up money to be close to his wife Carolina and his kids.
“It’s a choice which, I repeat, shows great maturity and shows the value of the person.”