Cassano reveals past Juve bids

Posted Thursday, October 18, 2012 by ESPN

Inter Milan striker Antonio Cassano revealed that Juventus had tried to sign him on at least three occassions in the past but he opted to reject them due to footballing reasons.

The much-travelled Inter Milan striker has previously been on the books of AC Milan, Real Madrid, Sampdoria, Roma and Bari. Known for possessing something of a short temper, the striker has often fallen out with coaches although he appears to have matured over the past few years.

But he also had the opportunity to sign for Juventus with the Bianconeri having made no less than three attempts to sign him. However, he stated that the club does not allow room for individuality and this prompted him to reject the opportunity to join one of Italy's premier sides.

"I refused three times to go there [Juventus], they just want soldiers, people who only go straight on their tracks," he told television programme Che Tempo Che Fa.
"Sometimes I have to go to the right, to the left, where I feel like.

"Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni really wanted me. What does he like about me? I don't know. I just hope he didn't make the biggest mistake of his life!

"Today life is all wine and roses for me. Tomorrow, I don't know. But I have to thank him and president Massimo Moratti who were straight shooters with me and I'll repay them on the pitch."

Cassano was not called up for Italy's most recent World Cup qualifier against Denmark with the national coach preferring Alberto Gilardino, Mario Balotelli, Sebastian Giovinco and Mattia Destro for his striking options. But the 30-year-old does not wish to read too much into the snub and is confident of earning his place before the 2014 World Cup.

"I don't know why I wasn't called up but I hope to be taken into consideration all the way until the end for the World Cup," he added.

Cassano will likely next feature for Inter against Catania on Sunday as they seek to catch up with league leaders Juventus in the Serie A.