(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Antonio Cassano Reflects on Real Madrid Stint: “I Wouldn’t Repeat My Mistakes Today”
Former Italian footballer Antonio Cassano has opened up about his unforgettable arrival at Real Madrid, admitting that he would approach things very differently if given a second chance.
Speaking on the podcast Viva el Fútbol, Cassano recalled the moment he stepped into Madrid, a city where his talent was quickly overshadowed by his off-field antics. Known for his flair on the pitch and his rebellious persona off it, the ex-forward described his arrival at the Spanish giants with a mix of humor and regret.
Cassano, who joined Real Madrid in 2006, revealed how he made an impression the moment he landed — and not necessarily in the best way.
“I arrived wearing a fur coat,” he laughed. “Emilio Butragueño welcomed me. He was incredibly polite, shy, very reserved. He looked at me and said, ‘Please wear a suit tomorrow.’ I told him not to worry, but inside I was thinking, ‘They knew I was a bit crazy when they signed me.’ So I wore the fur coat again.”
The former star also recalled being introduced to the legendary Alfredo Di Stéfano and how Butragueño’s facial expression said it all.
“He looked at me completely frozen. I think he was wondering why on earth they signed me,” Cassano admitted. “At the time, I didn’t care. But today? I completely agree with him.”
Though his stint at Real Madrid was short-lived and filled with off-field controversies, Cassano’s reflections now show a matured perspective. His time at the club may have been marked by controversy, but his talent remains undeniable.
This candid moment from Cassano serves as both a humorous anecdote and a powerful reminder that professionalism often defines legacy just as much as skill.
