Cassano ready for fresh start

New AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by the club’s owner, Silvio Berlusconi.

Cassano, who made his debut in the club’s 1-0 away win over Cagliari on January 6, was unveiled on Friday by club vice president Adriano Galliani, and the 28-year-old said he was grateful for his transfer from Sampdoria in December.

Cassano has vowed to leave behind his petulant ways, which have seen him dismissed from Roma, Real Madrid and Sampdoria in recent years.

“What I really want to do is to thank the President, Mr Berlusconi, since he has approved my transfer, and Mr Galliani as well,” Cassano said.

“It is my last chance after all the trouble I’ve caused. This is my last chance, so I won’t be deceiving the people who believed in me.”

“I really want to thank him from my heart, because in a moment of great difficulties for me, he took a chance on me and supported me in a moment of difficulties.”

Cassano said he hopes his career at Milan is a long and successful one, and added that he was looking forward to learning from the cavalcade of stars who ply their trade with the Serie A leaders.

“I hope I will be playing here for a long time. I think, and I’m pretty sure, that this will be the last team I play for,” Cassano said.

“AC Milan is the best team in the world, so I’ve reached the top and there is nothing above AC Milan, only sky.”

“I’ve never been a great physical worker and now I’m learning from the others: it’s great to see how Seedorf, Ibrahimovic, Gattuso and Nesta train.”

“They have won so much, but still want to win. Therefore I tell myself that they have won so much, whereas I have won almost nothing, so why can’t I work like they do?”