Antonio Cassano revisits failed Real Madrid spell and shares controversial opinion on Vinicius: ‘I should have gone to prison’

Antonio Cassano revisits failed Real Madrid spell and shares controversial opinion on Vinicius: ‘I should have gone to prison’ Former Real Madrid forward Antonio Cassano has delivered a scathing assessment of Vinicius Jr. while reflecting on his own troubled spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.  The Italian also revisited his relationship with Fabio Capello, named the greatest players he shared a dressing room with and explained why Arda Guler still has work to do to match Guti. Speaking to AS , Cassano was brutally honest about his shortcomings in Madrid, admitting that his behaviour prevented him from fulfilling his potential at one of football’s biggest clubs. The former Italy international joined Real Madrid from AS Roma in January 2006, becoming only the second Italian player to represent Los Blancos .  However, his time in Spain was overshadowed by disciplinary issues and disagreements with Capello. Cassano admits wasting his Real Madrid opportunity Cassano did not hide from his mistakes when asked whether he had squandered his chance to succeed at the Bernabeu.  He also looked back on his presentation, admitting that his appearance reflected his attitude at the time. “It’s true. I don’t know what I was thinking 20 years ago. I was a fool. I was wearing a hideous jacket and was dressed inappropriately for the occasion.  “That’s just how I was. I used to do silly things, and even more so in Madrid.” On whether he wasted his opportunity, Cassano admitted, Cassano admits he wasted his Real Madrid chance. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “Absolutely. I should have gone to prison (laughs) because my behaviour was rubbish.  “I liked eating and going out, rather than training. I was ten kilos overweight. It was all my fault.” Despite those struggles, he remembered his time alongside the Galacticos fondly. “The best players I ever played alongside were Ronaldo, Zidane and Guti, but I had other things on my mind. “I wasn’t thinking straight. If the Cassano of back then had had the mindset I have now, he would have played for ten years in that team because he had the quality. I was very happy playing for Real Madrid. It was a wonderful source of pride, and when I travel abroad, people still remember me for having been part of that team. Real Madrid is the greatest team in history.” Fabio Capello and Guti central to Cassano’s memories Cassano acknowledged that his relationship with Capello suffered because of his own behaviour, even though he now holds the former Madrid manager in high regard. “I had him as my manager at Roma and at Real Madrid, and it’s true that I didn’t behave well towards him.  “I was a bit of a troublemaker, but I remember him as the most important manager of my career. “I now have a fantastic relationship with Fabio, but he’s always liked players who train hard, who are demanding, look after themselves and have great respect for their profession – and I did the exact opposite. Cassano says Guti should have won multiple Ballon d’Ors. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “I behaved badly, but now I hold both him and his family dear to my heart.” He also compared Guler with Guti, making it clear that the Turkish midfielder has yet to reach the level of his former teammate. “He’s a fantastic talent, but he’s not quite at the level of Guti, who was my favourite of the Galacticos.  “He had an incredible final pass and could do whatever he wanted with his left foot. He left me speechless. “I reckon he was only playing at 40% or 50% of his potential. He should have won the Ballon d’Or two or three times. “He was certainly on a par with Xavi, Modric or Iniesta. Guler is very good, and I like him a lot, but Guti was in a league of his own.” Cassano questions Vinicius and backs Rodrygo Lastly, the Italian saved his most controversial assessment for Vinicius, arguing that Rodrygo deserves greater recognition when fit. “Vinicius is just a good player. I think Rodrygo is much better. I don’t know why people talk about Vinicius so much more than his teammate. “If Vinicius isn’t physically fit, he has no alternatives and isn’t particularly clinical in front of goal.  “He scores goals, but he’s no star. I think Rodrygo, if he’s fit, should start ahead of him. I like him much more and I’m looking forward to his return,” he concluded.