ANTONIO CASSANO HAS issued a damning critique of his time at AC Milan following his move to city rivals Inter.
The 30-year-old Italy international was in fiery form, slamming the influence of the Milan hierarchy and accusing the club of being disloyal.
Cassano hit out at the club over promises that were made to him when he was recovering from an ischaemic stroke he suffered after a game against Roma last October.
“When I joined Milan, I said that if I got it wrong there I ought to be locked up,” he said at a press conference.
“Well, this time, I was not the one who got it wrong. I had to leave. There was someone above the coach who did something wrong, and I can’t stand it when people take me for a ride.
“When I was ill, my team-mates were very close, but this person promised so much. It was all smoke and no fire.
“The promises Milan made? Ask this other person, who is so good at turning the situation around. He gets on only with those who suck up to him, but that’s not my style.
“This time I want to deal with men who let me know when things are right or wrong. I want to be told face-to-face what the real situation is. Elsewhere, they say some things and do others instead.”
Although he pulled no punches in regard to his time in the red side of Milan, Cassano did have plenty of positive things to say about new club Inter.
“I want to thank the president, but also (head of technical staff) Marco Branca and (sporting director) Piero Ausilio. I want to thank them because they had faith in Antonio the man,” he said.
“Massimo Moratti told me many things, but I won’t reveal them. He wanted me here back in the days of (former boss Roberto) Mancini. However, as I was completely crazy at the time, it was right of them not to sign me.
“There was steam coming out of my ears, but now I am relaxed and calm, so it’s a good decision to bring me to Inter. I am happy here.
“I had a good offer from Qatar, which I would like, but I’d love to be at the World Cup with Italy and that means playing in a real league.
“I’ve always supported Inter and everyone wanted me here, while I really wanted to work with (Japanese defender) Yuto Nagatomo. Will I debut tomorrow against Pescara? The coach will decide.”
