Cassano: I'll quit in three years

Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2011 by ESPN

AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano fired Italy to victory in their last Euro 2012 qualifier and then declared his intention to retire after the 2014 World Cup.

The 29-year-old scored twice as Italy easily beat Northern Ireland 3-0 to end their Group C campaign unbeaten.

Cassano has played an important role in Italy's qualifying campaign and it took him just 21 minutes to open the scoring against Nigel Worthington's men. A cheeky through ball from Daniele De Rossi played Cassano in and he let the ball drop over his right shoulder before volleying home from eight yards.

His second goal on 53 minutes was equally impressive as he drilled the ball into the net from 20 yards out.

"I feel fine, now I want to continue in the Italy team. Three years, I want to have three great seasons. Then I can stop. I think I will play football for only that time, have a good Euro 2012 finals and a good World Cup, then at the age of 33 call it a day so I can enjoy my family," Cassano told Rai Sport.

"After the 2014 World Cup? That is my idea, I want to leave when the time is right. "

Cassano also thanked Italy coach Cesare Prandelli for standing by him after an incident earlier in the qualifying campaign which saw the AC Milan forward heavily criticised for insulting a journalist.

"I have to thank Prandelli, he gave me a helping hand when I had everyone against me. I am thankful to him," he said.

"When I retire, you [the media] can have fun with Mario Balotelli. He is another good character for you."

Italy added a third and final goal against Northern Ireland through a Conor McLaughlin own-goal.

Italy finished their qualifying campaign top of C with 26 points from 10 games.