Samp to terminate Cassano contract
Sampdoria demand a contract termination after Antonio Cassano’s “gravely offensive and disrespectful” behaviour that will also keep him out of the Italy squad.
The row erupted after the player did not attend an awards ceremony and then had a blazing row with the President when asked to make a formal apology.
“In reference to the incident on Tuesday 26 at the Gloriano Mugnaini training ground, during which the player Antonio Cassano showed a gravely offensive and disrespectful attitude to President Riccardo Garrone,” read an official statement.
“UC Sampdoria announce that they have opened a request for disciplinary action.”
This means it is not a 'normal’ issue of freezing Cassano out of the squad, but rather terminating his contract.
There will also be a telegram during the process alerting him that he is temporarily suspended from competitive football until the matter is resolved.
That includes international duty, so puts a hold on Cassano’s international career.
“Even if director of sport Doriano Tosi told him not to bother turning up to training today, he will go anyway,” explained agent Giuseppe Bozzo.
“The day before Garrone’s request, Antonio had turned down a lot of money so he could stay with his pregnant wife Carolina, so in fairness he decided to take the same approach.
“The matter had been closed between him and the President on Wednesday, but then director general Sergio Gasparin called Cassano to explain this required a written apology.
“Is this rapport beyond repair? In all honesty, it’s very tough, but I will work with him to make it happen. In any case, I will look after Antonio’s interests in every legal arena.”
This is a remarkable course of action by Sampdoria, as they will effectively give up on the money from a January sale.
The bitter row opens the door for Inter, Juventus, Milan and Manchester City to take advantage of a free agent.
http://www.football-italia.net/oct30f.html
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So, still worth it? Even after things seemed to be so pristine for him in Genoa, it still manages to explode around him. I don't believe for a second that "Juventus' prestige and seriousness" could straighten him out for good. However, a January free transfer is worth the risk, no?