Before the second leg of the Champions League match between Roma and Real Madrid, Cassano gave an exclusive interview to AS, discussing his career, his opinions on the two coaches, and his expectations for the match.
How are you doing now?
I've lived in Genoa for almost 20 years. I don't really have a proper job. I have a show called "Viva el fútbol" on a live streaming platform with some former colleagues. We're the best in Italy because we speak our minds. I express my opinions without inhibition, saying whatever comes to mind, just as I always have.
Do you miss your time as a player?
Of course, footballers always miss the ball. Also, compared to our era, I don't really like football nowadays. Modern games lack personality and talent. The Spanish national team, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain are enjoyable to watch, and I also enjoyed watching Pep Guardiola's Manchester City a few years ago. Many other teams just run around, but I prefer players who dare to take the ball and play with character.
But you didn't run much back then...
That's true (laughs). I had outstanding talent, but I wasn't disciplined enough. Everyone knows that. I didn't have the willpower to control my eating or train harder, but I've lived very happily in my own way.
Which player impresses you the most now?
Mainly Messi. His football is on a completely different level. There has never been a player like him in the history of football. He's head and shoulders above everyone else. Even at almost 40, he's still an astonishing talent, unparalleled. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Rodrygo of Real Madrid are also excellent. I really like Rodrygo, but Messi is far ahead of them and will surpass all future generations. There won't be another Messi.
You always liked Totti...
He was one of my greatest idols. Back then, I had the chance to join Roma and Juventus, but I chose Roma simply because Francesco used to play there. Later, I was very lucky to be teammates with Ronaldo.
In the center-forward position, I've never seen a player like him. He was truly dazzling and unique. If not for injuries, he could have reached unimaginable heights. That was the real Ronaldo, not Ronaldo. Ronaldo is not even half of Ronaldo.
What do you think about the Roma vs. Real Madrid match?
Roma and Real Madrid are two teams with completely different styles. First, Roma has an excellent coach, while Real Madrid doesn't. Mourinho doesn't love football; he only loves making statements. It's hard to imagine that Real Madrid, the strongest club in history, would sign Mourinho. I really don't understand why Florentino chose him; it's incomprehensible to me. If the two teams swapped coaches, and Gasperini managed Real Madrid, Real Madrid could win 10-0.
But Mourinho has won far more titles...
That's right, Gasperini has only won one Europa League, but I don't care about the number of titles. I only look at what's shown on the field. Mourinho is no longer suitable for coaching. He's very lucky; his teams never play attractive football. His football philosophy was outdated ten years ago.
His coaching career has left no footballing legacy, only conflicts and disputes with everyone. He always likes to talk about other topics, but never football. One of his biggest advantages is having Mendes as his agent, who always helps him find good new clubs.
Do you think this will be a close contest?
Roma plays well, but Real Madrid is stronger. I think the game will be tough, and Real Madrid has an 80% chance of winning, even though Gasperini is excellent and Mourinho's level is limited. Real Madrid shouldn't just sit back and wait for Mbappé, Bellingham, or Vinicius to solve the game. They should learn from Barcelona and Flick. Flick built a strong team with a clear style and all players participating in attack, but Real Madrid is doing the opposite.
Does Güler remind you of Guti?
He's very talented, but he hasn't reached Guti's level. Guti was my favorite player in the Galácticos. His final pass was stunning; he could kick with his left foot however he wanted, which left me speechless. I think Guti only showed 40 to 50 percent of his ability.
Guti should have won two or three Ballon d'Or awards, no doubt. He was in the same league as Xavi, Modric, and Iniesta. Güler is strong, and I admire him, but Guti was on a completely different level.
Vinicius is far from his best form, is that good for Roma?
Vinicius is just a good player. In my opinion, Rodrygo is much stronger. I don't understand why there's so much more talk about Vinicius than about his teammate. When Vinicius is not physically fit, he lacks other options.
Vinicius' finishing ability is not top-notch either. He can score goals, but he's not a superstar. I think Rodrygo, when in form, should start ahead of Vinicius. I have more faith in Rodrygo and look forward to his return.
When you joined Real Madrid in 2005, your outfit at the presentation caused a stir...
That's right, 20 years ago I really don't know what I was thinking. It was so silly. I wore a very ugly jacket. That outfit was completely inappropriate for that press conference. That's just how I am, always doing foolish things, especially often at Real Madrid.
Did you waste a great opportunity to succeed at a big club like Real Madrid?
Absolutely. I wanted to go to jail (laughs), because my performance back then was terrible. I loved eating, going out, didn't like training, was ten kilograms overweight. All the problems were my responsibility.
With so many superstars as teammates, didn't you want to train well?
That's just my nature. The greatest players I played alongside in my career were Ronaldo, Zidane, and Guti, but my mind wasn't on football at all; I wasn't clear-headed. If the Cassano of back then had the mindset I have now, he could have played ten years for this Real Madrid, because I had enough talent.
Even so, I was still very happy to play for Real Madrid. That experience was a great honor. When I travel abroad, people still remember that I was part of the Galácticos. Real Madrid is the greatest club in history.
Capello took special care of you. Do you think you were too harsh on him back then?
I played under him at both Roma and Real Madrid. Indeed, my attitude towards him was very bad back then. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time, but he was the most important coach of my career. Now Capello and I have a good relationship. He has always admired disciplined players who demand a lot from themselves, take care of their bodies, and respect the profession, and I was the exact opposite of all that. I was wrong back then, but now I sincerely respect him and his family.
You've played for many teams, which one do you have the deepest feelings for?
After leaving Real Madrid, I went to Sampdoria. There, I had a bit of a resurgence and met my wife. We have two lovely children, and since then, I've settled here. Sampdoria is my home team in my heart.
In football, is there any goal you always wanted to achieve but ultimately couldn't?
I don't think about those things. I know I could have achieved more, but I'm very happy. I played for Roma, was called up to the national team, and wore the jersey of Real Madrid, the greatest club in history. There's not much more I could ask for.
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