Cassano drops retirement hint

Milan striker Antonio Cassano has revealed that he plans to retire from football in three and a half years.

The 29-year-old scored a brace for Italy in the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Northern Ireland last night, but he surprised everyone by saying that he will not play on for much longer.

“I’ve been a clown since birth, I’m not capable of being serious! This morning I told Gigi Buffon I’m one of the oldest in the side, but only have 25 caps,” Cassano told Rai Sport.

“I keep coming in and out, but in three or four years I’ll stop with the Nazionale. I think I’ll play football for only that time, have a good Euros and a good World Cup, then at the age of 33 call it a day so I can enjoy my family.

“I want to be gone when I’m in good shape, not when I’m struggling. Will that be it for me and football? Of course, playing is the only thing I know how to do! I can’t talk, I can’t do anything.

“For years I have been stressed out, as all I have to do is scratch my nose and I get turned into a problem. Football has been the most wonderful thing in the world for me, but I am a little tired, so I’ll give another three and a half years, then that’ll do.”