Italy hero Cassano nearly a salami salesman

(GSM) – On Friday, Antonio Cassano made an excellent return to international football by scoring Italy’s equaliser against Estonia. However, the Sampdoria striker admitted he almost became a salami salesman when he hit another low in his career a couple of years ago.

Cassano has endured a remarkable career, full of highs and lows, but since his return to Italy (in the summer of 2007) things have gone up for the former problem child.

“Three years ago I said to myself that it was time to do this job seriously otherwise I should go home and sell salami,” 28-year-old Cassano told La Stampa.

“Being in Genoa changed me. Carolina changed my life and will always thank her for that. I get emotional just talking about it.

“I am a lot happier and calmer in Genoa. At Samp I found a staff that was built around me by Marotta who helped me grow and I continue to do so even now that he has gone.

“In my head football was a succession of tricks and touches. I thought about being the best of all-time and that I didn’t need to care about the team.

“Instead there was only one player who could win everything playing on his own: Maradona.

“Anyway, I have learnt to think together with the team and I feel much stronger than before because I have another 10 people who play with me.”