THE HIGH FARCE upon which Antonio Cassano seems determined to end his career was taken up a notch on Monday as the former Italy international reneged on two decisions not to retire to claim he has finally decided to hang his boots up.
Cassano signed for Hellas Verona on July 10, but told club officials that he would be retiring just eight days later, only to reverse that decision within a matter of hours.
The 35-year-old failed to last another week in the Serie A side’s training camp, however, leaving the club, but insisting he would not be retiring in a message posted on his wife Carolina Marcialis’ Twitter account.
Hours later, however, with the first post now deleted, Cassano delivered his third U-turn inside a bonkers week to confirm he will not take to the pitch again.
Once again posting on his wife’s account, Cassano said: “Contrary to what appeared on my wife’s official social-media profile, I would like to clarify the following. Carolina was wrong. After thinking and reflecting, in the end I decided: Antonio Cassano will not play football anymore.
“I apologise to the city of Verona, all the fans, the president Maurizio Setti, sporting director Filippo Fusco and the coach Fabio Pecchia, as well as my fellow players plus the medical and technical staff.
“As a 35-year-old man, I am motivated by my marriage. Right now, my priority is to be with my children and wife.”
Setti had claimed that Cassano’s “head wasn’t right” in the aftermath of his departure and struck a suitably baffled tone when addressing his latest decision.
“I remain and will remain astonished by what I’ve learned about Cassano’s apparent lack of motivation,” Setti said in a statement.
“While pointing out that the player is still contracted to the Gialloblu, I’d also like to say that the Verona group comes before the individual and before any player.”
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Cork are very poor ,,!!!
When I saw the Cork team on Friday night with only 3 city players I new mass was over for the rebels this is the worst team Cork ever brought to Thurles sad.
Some dire stuff from Cork so far. Aimless balls down the field. They’ll need to improve drastically in the second half or this will be a rout
Great to see the sweeper system being destroyed early on.
That’s one poor cork team Christ above going to get throttled here today.
Early test of both teams ambition for the season. Nothing like the clash of the ash to kick off the summer.
Only this year it is starting with a whimper. Today and last night’s game both brutal.
Dire stuff from the rebels
It’s tipps year :-)
Premature to come out with that comment.
Barry Kelly is a shit ref.
Game over cork keep playing into tips hands
Cork are 11/4 in the bookies. As a Cork man I’ll take that price all day, championship hurling in Thurles, anything can happen!! Rebels Abú!!!
Never bet on your own team
Just been a pitch invasion by the Tipp supporters at the final whistle in Thurles. Where are the horse mounted police? Greyhounds even.
Cork really poor. The score is actually flattering should be down by more. Hopefully it will be a closer second half
Tipp’s full forward line is going to take some stopping of we’re going to get a result. Can never write us off in championship though, Rebels abú.
Good to see kieran Kingstons chopping and changing of the teams went so well for cork. He must be so proud…
Lots of stuff happening off the ball, ruining the flow of the game.
Cork are a big of a joke alright.
And cork lads coming on here giving out is golden. Long may it last.
What’s the longest ye have gone without an AI lads? Big 3 me hole.
Switchin over to watch Rory win the golf
Great shot from Rory there
You’re missing the comeback, three quick goals for cork
Dubai golf classic? Sounds like the Tommy Murphy cup.
As a Cork man….very disappointed. …maybe it’s a cunning plan….use the back door route to develop the team. .. ya right …will wake up from that dream soon..and come back to reality…
I never thought I would see the day when Cork hurling would hit such a low point even Kerry are putting in more professional performances.
No point having millions in the bank and no talent coming forward.
The OAP’S in county board.
we’ll need I say anymore!!!!!