Antonio Cassano (AC Milan)

Reds to move for Cassano

Roy Hodgson is hoping to spring something of a major transfer coup by attempting to lure Sampdoria attacker Antonio Cassano into making a move from Serie A to Anfield.

The Italian international has recently fallen out with his Genoa side and it seems that he is destined to leave the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The 28 year old former Real Madrid man has fallen out with the club's president after he reportedly refused to attend an awards ceremony which triggered a series of arguments between the club and the talented Bari born star.

Hodgson has been watching on with interest and whilst a move to bring the Sampdoria man to Liverpool may prove to be a tricky proposition it could prove to be an intelligent move to make. All seemed to be going well for Cassano who has had great spell back in Italy following a nightmare period at the Bernabeu. He has become a crucial part of the club's attacking plans and new boss Domenico Di Carlo had watched on as he netted five goals in nine games thus far this season.

The fact that the club appears ready to boot the player from the club would mean they would accept less than they would normally but a fee of at least £15m would be needed to snap up a player of Cassano's undoubted talent. However with his contract reportedly being cancelled by the Sampdoria President Riccardo Garrone it could be that no fee would be needed to seal the deal. The temperamental Italian can play as part of a two man strike force or in the hole behind the strikers.

A move to Napoli has been ruled out by the Naples club and a move back to Spain seems very unlikely indeed. A move to the Premier League may well tempt Cassano and the Liverpool's glorious history, new owners and a chance to play alongside Fernando Torres may tempt him into making the move to Merseyside.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/transfer-gossip/reds-to-move-for-cassano

If this happens I will be delighted. I really feel he has the ability to transform our season.

Wouldnt say no at all

Actually we could maye try and do a swap deal offer Babel maybe?

Would be a cracking signing IMO.

A good player I don't think Roy would be able to handle his temperament though.

Not really sure about this guy ...

Only know he was like one of the teenagers to watch out for many years ago and has a bad temper in him.

One thing I'll say most of the football genuises have a temper on them, think Zidane, Cantona,  scratch that they are just French, No but seriously add Di Canio to that list, its the fire in the belly of such players that make them great.

The Bad
Di Canio Red Card

The Good.

Paolo Di Canio Compilation #1

The Bad

Zidane headbutts Materazzi - BEST ANGLE *****

The Good

Zidane Compilation Rakim remix

The Bad

Clash Foot - Cantona vs supporter Crystal Palace

I'll label this the good through gritted teeth considering who he played for.

Eric Cantona - King Eric ||| Compilation HD

^^^ ermm sad Manc cu*ts, there is only one King and he's called Kenny and graced these shores long before Cuntana.


Anyway you get my point.

Would I take Cassano's temperant, F**k yes I would because he can offer something that is lacking in this team, A F**k You Attitude type of player that plays with a fire in his belly.

I am really really hoping this is not true. While Cassano may be a quality player, his temper and his way of getting on the manager's and chairman's nerves is very damaging to a team. He is literary being ousted from his current team. That's not somewhere you get to with a simple conversation. So I'm guessing he's quite the rebel and honestly, with Liverpool in this state of crisis, I really don't think we need a player of his profile.
Also, I believe his 5 minutes of glory have passed, and he's now just as any other mediocre striker.

I love this guy. I know he is a bit mental but he is a quality footballer and with the right foundations set around him, who knows what he could achieve. Maybe a tad expensive when you consider his past temperament problems.

Very good player but can't see him leaving Roma.

Real quality, whatever his other flaws.

I am really really hoping this is not true. While Cassano may be a quality player, his temper and his way of getting on the manager's and chairman's nerves is very damaging to a team. He is literary being ousted from his current team. That's not somewhere you get to with a simple conversation. So I'm guessing he's quite the rebel and honestly, with Liverpool in this state of crisis, I really don't think we need a player of his profile.
Also, I believe his 5 minutes of glory have passed, and he's now just as any other mediocre striker.

Gets on his manager's nerves you say?  Let's give Woy a taste of his own medicine.  Sign Cassano up and let him get on the manager's nerves the same way the manager gets on ours.

Got enough players in his position.

Very good player but can't see him leaving Roma.

True, him leaving Roma again is impossible, since he already left them a few years back, then joined Real Madrid, where he showed nothing from his supposed talent, and got sold to Sampdoria (which is his current team)

Gets on his manager's nerves you say?  Let's give Woy a taste of his own medicine.  Sign Cassano up and let him get on the manager's nerves the same way the manager gets on ours.

Got enough players in his position.

Good point about getting on Roy's nerves . But that's no reason to sign him, as Roy will most likely be out of Liverpool before january. If he doesn't start bringing good results, that is.

I was saying months ago to get him for 20m so now he's available for practically nothing i can't say no. He's the player we need. Fantastic player. Haven't missed a game of his this season and i'd put my testicles on him being a star and succeeding.

I was saying months ago to get him for 20m so now he's available for practically nothing I can't say no. He's the player we need. Fantastic player. Haven't missed a game of his this season and I'd put my testicles on him being a star and succeeding.

I'll see your testicles and raise you a wang.

Get him, quality signing.

Almost seems too good to be true. Cassano is easily one of the best players in Italy. Can either pair him with Torres, or let him play in the hole behind him. Gerrard back in the midfield, and keep Cole on the left. Makes me wet myself.

I'd also put my testi's on it, crouchi.

What's his actual position nowadays?

Proper out and out striker or what?

I'll see your testicles and raise you a wang.

Get him, quality signing.

It worries me that your wang rises when you see my testicles.

Ill see your wang and raise you my anus. . . Oh wait. . .

I'm willing to put Crouch's balls and BigRed's cock on the line for this signing too  We've already got Gerrard to play in the hole and Cole if we actually get a proper LW and let's not forget that Pacheco and Shelvey can do a job there too.  There are bigger priorities.

I'm willing to put Crouch's balls and BigRed's cock on the line for this signing too   We've already got Gerrard to play in the hole and Cole if we actually get a proper LW and let's not forget that Pacheco and Shelvey can do a job there too.  There are bigger priorities.

Holes, balls and cocks in one post. Theortically, i should delete this post

But in all seriousness his versatility could be big for us. He can cut in and drift wide when playing on the flanks, but is at his very best through the middle and occupying the final third while bursting in to the box behind the defence.

A side that looked like this would tear up many teams.

 Maxi    Gerrard   Meireles    Cole

           Torres    Cassano

One player all of a sudden transforms a very good set up, to an almost invincible one. It lets Steven drop back on the ball, and a more dynamic player in the position where he used to be in Cassano. Plus Torres would finally get some good service.

Sign him up, that's if Aquilani doesn't have a quiet word with him before.

As the article says Sampdoria filed to terminate his contract and despite wanting to stay he appears to be getting pushed out of the club nevertheless It would be an incredibly risky acquisition, one of the most notoriously fiery and loose tempered players around but still undeniably talented.

Was the most expensive teenager ever at one point wasn't he? When he moved to Roma. He's been chipping in the goals for Sampdoria the last couple of the years and he's consistently been a creative force in setting up Pazzini. He'd have to be playing behind the striker for us unless he'd be willing to play on the wing.

Doesn't really seem like a Hodgson signing to me but I can't say that I wouldn't be excited to see him here.

It worries me that your wang rises when you see my testicles.

After reading that back it worries me too. We shouldn't speak for a while....

Prandelli has said that Cassano is considering quitting football. There's more mentally stable options out there.

Prandelli has said that Cassano is considering quitting football. There's more mentally stable options out there.

Really?  I haven't heard that, and I can't seem to find any sources that make this claim.  Can you provide a link?

Here is the most recent article I have seen relating to this issue:

10 November 2010 19:29

(GSM) – Sampdoria have moved a step closer to finalizing star Antonio Cassano’s contract termination after sending the Italian league an application for the matter.

The 28-year-old was caught in a heated argument in October with the his club’s president Riccardo Garrone.

Cassano has not played since the clash, and despite issuing a public apology on television, the Italy forward is set to have his contract cancelled.

Garrone admits Cassano’s talents will be missed but still intends to cut short the Italy international’s career at Sampdoria.

“Obviously Cassano is the best and without him, our team loses a lot,” said Garrone.

“But we will move forward with our decision.”

Though Cassano’s talent has molded him into being one of Italy’s best talents, his behavior has always hindered his growth.

He had difficulties at both Roma and Real Madrid before moving to Sampdoria and was left out of Italy’s 2010 World Cup squad because then-manager Marcello Lippi did not want the player to disrupt the team’s spirit.

If we can snap him up on a free, I'll happily fly over from the states to welcome him to the team!

Really?  I haven't heard that, and I can't seem to find any sources that make this claim.  Can you provide a link?

I read it on a dutch site initially, they had quotes from Prandelli. They seem to originate from La Gazzetta dello Sport, an italian newspaper.

This article says pretty much the same thing:

Italian coach Prandelli snubs Cassano

ROME, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has claimed that he would not call up defiant Antonio Cassano for a friendly against Romania next week.

Speculative reports suggested Prandelli would defy the rules and pick Cassano, who has been frozen out of the Sampdoria team after his bust-up with club chief Riccardo Garrone.

"Cassano? I said that I would not call players who showed poor manners or displayed violent conduct," Prandelli was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"When a player is out of a team he cannot be picked for the national side.

"I won't abandon Cassano, but he must resolve his problems at Sampdoria.

"I spoke to him and I got the impression he wanted to give up football, but I told him to reflect and stay close to his family," the Italy coach said.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-11/12/c_13604201.htm

Can't see him quitting. He's too into the game on a whole to give it up, i feel.

And nothing would get him more excited to play than being next to Fernando

I don't like players with those kind of bad attitudes, he could do more harm than good, always some kind of drama wherever he goes.

No, please. I don't want to see this false scum as a red, he's absolutely disgusting.

Has agreed to sign for AC Milan I see. No link as yet.

Where'd you see this?

I read he was to be registered back in the side by February 1 and his wages cut in half, and he is definitely staying with Sampdoria.

You can't expect a player to perform at the same level with this kind of animosity between the club and the player.He would be suspended for the whole of January transfer market and I believe he would try and force a move not that Samp would be too keen to hold onto him.He has only been linked with AC Milan but with them already having Ibra,Robinho and Pato,I don't think Milan would be too interested in him.

I read the same thing Crouchie, but I can't see him wanting to stay and play for them after all of this.  I have a feeling that Samp decided to not cancel his contract to see if they could recoup some money on him in January.  No team would want to lose one of their top talents for free, so they are probably going to offer him up to some different teams to see what kind of compensation they can get for him.  I would still love it if we could nab him up for something like 5 million, but i wouldn't want to pay much more than that as he has a history of falling out with teams/players everywhere he goes.

No harrydunn, Sampdoria did want to terminate his contract, but the judge ordered they couldn't, he's allowed to stay with his wages cut in half. However, neither of them are happy with that outcome, so I think he is indeed going to another club this winter.

^ I know that is what the article said, but I have a feeling the execs at Samp wanted it to work out this way so that they can still get some sort of compensation for him...  No evidence to back up this claim, but it makes sense that they would rather sell him than give him away...

Not really, because then they wouldn't have went to court in the first place.

I don't see why they didn't keep this quiet and get 15m for him? That's a cheap price for someone of his quality but it's better than letting him go for free. You get 15m!

Still, buy him NESV.

I don't see why they didn't keep this quiet and get 15m for him? That's a cheap price for someone of his quality but it's better than letting him go for free. You get 15m!

Still, buy him NESV.

The chairman felt Cassano left him no other choice. Cassano heavily insulted him in front of other players and staff, said some really nasty stuff apparently,  he felt he needed to set an example.

He could set an example by selling him and showing no player, regardless of their importance, is bigger than the club. That way he could look after his club financially also while sending out the same message.

To Milan - sounds a done deal.

Yep sold to Milan 3 year deal.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/dec/20/milan-sign-antonio-cassano-sampdoria

Lockedy-lock.

Liverpool move into pole position to land AC Milan striker

Thursday, June 16

Liverpool are leading the chase to sign AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano.

Cassano, 28, could be set for a big money move to Anfield as Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is determined to add more firepower to his squad and make them genuine contenders for the title next season.

The Italian striker could struggle to command a regular first-team place at the San Siro next season as he battles with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Robinho to secure a starting place.

Fiorentina have also been linked with Cassano but reports in Italy suggest that Liverpool are now the strong favourites to clinch his signature.

Sources close to the player say he is ready to start a new chapter in his career by moving to England, having played in both Spain and Italy.

The two clubs are set to hold a meeting next week over a possible move and Liverpool hope a deal can be finalised for the talented forward.

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/8376/6/liverpool-move-pole-position-land-ac-milan-striker

Other sources:

http://www.calciomercato.com/prima-pagina/milan-assalto-liverpool-a-cassano-975984
http://www.football.fr/cmc/scanner/football/201124/liverpool-cassano-et-payet-suivis-de-pres_363539.html

Hope its true. I wonder if Aqua will be part of the deal?

Cant say that I know much about this lad,but if its true that Kenny likes him it must be for a good reason.So the Wickham deal is gone?

He'd sure be a great influence in the dressing room

Very talented footballer, but a total nutter, I could see him an Carroll having some "interesting" nights out. I can't see even Kenny being able to sort this lads head out.

Quality player abit like Totti not quick but very skillfull. Was original italian Bad boy until balotelli took over the mantle.

He's as talented a player as Italy have produced but he's also F***ing insane. He told Cappello that it was his team and nothing he said would change that regardless if he was manager or not.

Not sure about this one but if anyone could put him in his place it would be Kenny.

Liverpool monitoring Antonio Cassano's situation at AC Milan

Liverpool are the latest club to have registered an interest in AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano.

The Italian international is not guaranteed first team football at Milan in a squad which includes Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Pippo Inzaghi.

Now according to Italian reports, the Reds are considering making a move for the eccentric attacker, who privately feels he could mirror the success of Gianfranco Zola, and Paolo Di Canio in the Premier League.

Kenny Dalglish is short of a creative spark at Anfield and is in the hunt for a new attacker, but Milan assistant boss Mauro Tassotti has urged Cassano to resist the temptation to move and fight for his place at the San Siro.

‘I would suggest to Antonio that he stays here with us,’ the former Italian international told Milan Channel.

‘He knows what we all think of him here – we class him as a great champion. The amount of games he plays next season depends on him.’

Cassano made 17 appearances for the champions in the past campaign, but only totalled 921 minutes – averaging 54 minutes per match.

He was signed for a minimal transfer fee in December after spectacularly falling out with Sampdoria chairman Riccardo Garrone over a charity event

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/866567-liverpool-monitoring-antonio-cassanos-situation-at-ac-milan

"We've never had an Italian play for the club."

"What about Dossena and Aquilani"

"We've never had an Italian play for the club"

Gifted w****r springs to mind.

http://youtu.be/UZVeaoe31PM

No Thanks.

Please no. Very talented but absolutely insane.

Please no. Very talented but absolutely insane.

Some might say the same about Suarez.  He did bite a guys ear. 

I see your point though.

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!

F***ing get him in. If Kenny really is interested i'd be delighted but we could of had him for free in January. I love him as a player and his attitude, although some frown upon it, i think adds to his brilliance.

Works his arse off, creative, killer instincts and can play anywhere in attack. Please! I've wanted him since he signed for Sampdoria.

No doubt he is a great player and a classy forward, not sure about his temparment though.

He's a brilliant player but I wouldn't pay too much for him.

He's as instable as it gets, so he's even more of a risk than most players.

And also, he's recently signed for Milan for free and has been more of a squad player, coming from the bench, than a important/key player. So if their valuation of him is too high, I would just leave him there.

On football ability alone, the thought of him and Suarez linking together is very exciting. He's one of those genuine and creative talents we would love to watch.

I saw him score from a penalty when I watched Milan 3-0 Sampdoria last season at the San Siro

Some might say the same about Suarez.  He did bite a guys ear. 

I see your point though.

He was just hungry ok?!

I do agree that he is one hell of a player. I just can't see him in Liverpool colors for some reason. He'd rival Tevez for greasiest face in the the premiership.

Relationships with coaches:

“Eugenio Fascetti (former Bari manager) is the only manager I never caused trouble with (key word, caused.; meaning he was trying to start problems).

I detested Claudio Gentile (former Italy U21 manager)”.

To Luciano Spalletti he said, “You’re not coaching those useless players you had at Udinese, this isn’t your house, it’s my house.”

Then on Fabio Capello: “In Tarragona he made me and Ronaldo warm up the whole second half without putting us in. In the locker room I told him ‘you’re a piece of s***, you’re more fake than Monopoly money“.

Then on Luigi Del Neri: “I never understood what the f*** he was talking about and he was too ambiguous.“.

About former Roma striker Gabriel Batistuta he said, “he had a smell under his nose”


Interesting article on Cassano this one. That was a selection of comments made about previous managers, the rest is here:

http://wondergoal.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/the-curious-case-of-antonio-cassano/