Incredible Antonio: Cassano joins Verona, retires, then un-retires
The Italian striker, formerly of Real Madrid, Milan, Inter, and Roma, retired today just 8 days after joining Hellas Verona, only to commit a sensational U-turn.
Antonio Cassano has outdone himself. The 18 July 2017 will go down as one of the more memorable days in an effervescent career.
Cassano makes retirement u-turn
Cassano called a press conference to announce that he would retire from football and leave Hellas Verona just eight days after joining the club, only to change his mind later in the day. He cited a ‘moment of weakness’ for his initial decision to retire.
Cassano impressed in his two pre-season friendly matches for Hellas Verona, but called a press conference for this afternoon to announce his retirement. Yet there was another twist in the plot for Cassano, who began his career at Bari, before playing for Roma, Real Madrid, Milan, and Sampdoria, and others, as well as the Italian national team on 39 occasions.
By the time the press-conference came around, Cassano has changed his mind:
“This morning I had a moment of weakness, but I want to keep on playing. Sometimes I make errors, but I want to win this bet.”
'I still have a lot to offer Verona'
He continued to explain his reasons for “missing home”:
“After a year and a half living with my family, I missed my wife and my children. She is my strength, and she said that they couldn’t see me not playing football. That made me emotional. I have failed, and I ask forgiveness from everyone. Now I want to have the last miracle of my career, I want to have a good season. I still have a lot to offer.”
The sporting director at Verona, Filippo Fusco, added that “Antonio has made a brave decision; he admitted that he was wrong. He has a great relationship with all of the group, and I’m happy that he’s here.”
