I'm Ready to Join Juve Now, Says Cassano
Tuesday 26th December 2000
Bari wonderkid Antonio Cassano has issued a plea to his club to sell him now
if they do not plan to keep him. Juventus are believed to have first option
on the �20 million-rated teenage striker, who insisted: "I understand this
was my last Christmas as a Bari player and I can't relax if I don't know
where I'm going."
Cassano added: "I want to know my future as soon as possible." Serie A
leaders Roma have also expressed an interest in the 18-year-old and his
destination may be determined by a bidding war.
"If Juventus really want me in January, I will go immediately," Cassano
said. "I know this decision is also about my club, but I'm ready for
Juventus.
"I'm sorry for the Bari fans and for the situation in which the club finds
itself. I would like to stay until the end of the season to help the club in
its fight to stay in Serie A, but if the opportunity is there, I have to
go."
Although it had appeared that Roma were favourites to secure his services,
Cassano now seems to prefer Juventus. "In the past few weeks, many important
people have spoken well of me, including Gianni Agnelli and Zinedine Zidane,
and that's womderful.
"To play alongside Zidane and Del Piero would be the best thing in the world
for me."
Internazionale, AC Milan, Lazio and Parma are all expected to throw their
hats into the ring once bidding for the youngster begins. He is expected to
command a fee of at least �20 million.
Not since the emergence of Roberto Baggio has such interest been shown
towards a young Italian player. Cassano has been compared to the Brescia
forward on more than one occasion and is expected to become a prominent
figure in Italian and international football for years to come.
