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Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano admits he underachieved over the course of his career.

Italy international gives brutally honest assessment of his career to date

Sampdoria’s Antonio Cassano is hoping to be part of the Italians’ squad to face Ireland at the Euros this summer.

SAMPDORIA FORWARD ANTONIO Cassano admits being a “layabout” stopped him from fulfilling his potential, but insists he has no regrets.

Cassano consistently struggled to prove his quality during spells at Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter in a career fraught with ill-discipline and fitness issues.

After failing to take his chances at such prestigious clubs, the 33-year-old is enjoying a return to form at Sampdoria under Vincenzo Montella this season.

The forward says he does not rue the impact his past behaviour had on his career and wants to see out his playing days at the Genoa club.

“Let’s say I ruined it for myself. I’ve always been a layabout — I’ve never done anything to help me produce my best,” Cassano said on Mediaset.

But I’m okay with that. I’m happy. I love it here in Genoa and I want to end my career with Sampdoria.”

The 33-year-old hopes to put together a series of strong displays to end the season and earn himself a place in Antonio Conte’s Italy squad for Euro 2016, though he feels his chances are slim.

“It’s a one in a billion chance but I want to give it a go because Conte doesn’t shut the door to anyone,” Cassano added.

“My attitude has changed in training too. I want to try but if I don’t make it I’ll cheer Italy on at the Euros from the outside.”

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    Mute Darren McNamara
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    Oct 25th 2015, 9:36 AM

    Dead right. hopefully a win today now to give him and the players a little boost.

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    Mute SportLover
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    Oct 25th 2015, 9:55 AM

    Looking forward to seeing what he does with the team over the next few transfer windows. It’s obvious he takes no sh!t from anyone, players or owners. Hoping he gets rid of the rot in the club asap.

    59
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    Mute Dub Cell
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:03 AM

    He’ll need about €350 million if he gets rid of all the rot in that squad

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    Mute SportLover
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:09 AM

    The owners gave so much to Rodgers and his transfer committee, and they squandered the lot, apart from a handful of players who have either made a positive impact or look like they have a bit of potential. Can’t see why Klopp won’t be given the same financial support. If he’s allowed buy the players he wants, that will buy into his philosophy, I can see Liverpool improving vastly. First thing though is to sell those who either won’t or can’t play his kind of football.

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    Mute Ron Koeman
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:31 AM

    Considering the players he lost Rodgers was given peanuts. He was only given 17 milion on top of what they got for Suarez after he left. You can’t compete for the league I’d your net spend is just 17 million.

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    Mute SportLover
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    Oct 25th 2015, 11:07 AM

    @Ron, he still nearly spent £300 million over three years. Three years with not one trophy to show for it all. Rodgers came out and said that Spurs should be challenging for the title after spending £100 million. Most of that £100 million came from the sale of Bale. I’m a Liverpool fan like yourself, but that is embarrassing.

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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Oct 25th 2015, 12:37 PM

    philosophy score more than the opposition.

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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Oct 25th 2015, 12:38 PM

    ah come on ron stop that oul guff he spent a couple of hundred million.

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    Mute Notthatguy
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    Oct 25th 2015, 1:44 PM

    Cutting the waste is more important than bringing in new players right now. Liverpool will go backwards before going forward.

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    Mute Declan Gill
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    Oct 25th 2015, 9:53 AM

    I have to admit I like this bainisteoirs philosophy and the sort of staccato German-English soundbites are altogether more succinct than the usual waffle

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    Mute Beano
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:06 AM

    First job is to buy a brand new back 4 and goalie

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    Mute SportLover
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:13 AM

    @Beano I don’t think Mignolet has been that bad lately. His distribution is poor but he’s made a few quality saves. Back four is the problem. A centre back should be his first purchase.

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    Mute clive lumley
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:13 AM

    He will need time and can’t be judged until we see what moves are made in and out of the club in the transfer market. Problem is there are a lot of average players there now and to get the quality needed to attract better players champions league football is needed. So then he could be relying on the current squad to get into the top four or three as it might be. Some of Rodgers players like firminho, origi, lallana etc. etc needed to deliver something and really he needs to pray that sturridge gets fit again otherwise he is a luxury that the club can’t afford.

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    Mute SportLover
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:57 AM

    I actually think that Sturridge won’t be able to cope with Klopp’s demands. He’s made out of glass, every time he comes back from an injury, he immediately is ruled out again. I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll be able to keep up the tempo and the pressure. Hope he proves me wrong but if he can’t, I don’t think Klopp will stick with him.

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    Mute John Reese
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    Oct 25th 2015, 10:42 AM

    It’s clear looking at that Liverpool squad how bad it is. Much work for Jurgen to do

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    Mute Lee Owens
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    Oct 25th 2015, 3:56 PM

    thats Baloteli gone for good so

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