Cassano: 'Career my own fault'

By Football Italia staff

Antonio Cassano dreams of Euro 2016, praises Lorenzo Insigne and admits “I ruined myself, but I’m happy.”

The 33-year-old Sampdoria forward is well-travelled, but always maintained his reputation for being a fiery and difficult to control character.

“For the last 10 years people have said I was a wasted talent,” FantAntonio told Mediaset show Tiki Taka.

“The problem is that I ruined myself. I am lazy and I never did anything to get the best out of myself. But in life you have to be happy and I am.

“I only just realised over the last few years that the problem was not the Coach, it was me. When I worked with a rigid tactician, I’d rebel. When I had a soft Coach, I’d take a nap. The truth is it wasn’t the fault of the Coach if I didn’t give my best. I realised it too late.”

His difficulties were evident at international level too, but Cassano still has hope.

“I realise I’ve got one chance in a billion, as Antonio Conte wants players who sacrifice themselves, so I did change my attitude in training. I hope for Euro 2016, even if it’s almost impossible. If he doesn’t call me, I will cheer on Italy and Insigne from home.

“Insigne is different in his playing style to me, as he runs all the way up the flank, has great quality and is doing great things with Gonzalo Higuain at Napoli.

“I think Insigne is the best Italian player out there right now and I don’t see why Conte shouldn’t call him up.

“I hope Inter win the Scudetto, but Insigne is one of the only three genuine friends I have in football. Therefore if Inter don’t win the title, I hope Napoli do.

“Juventus are the favourites, as Max Allegri is really good at handling champions. He knows how to make everyone feel important and use the stick when necessary.

“I didn’t expect them to recover from that start so quickly, but they have character and a strong temperament. I compliment Allegri, he’s doing something stratospheric.

“People like that win, but those who are a bit out of their heads like me never win anything.

“I am happy at Sampdoria and will end my career here, especially as who else is going to take on the responsibility of dealing with me?”

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