Sampdoria FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1946
• Manager:Domenico Di Carlo

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Cassano opts to stay with Samp

01 Feb 2010 - 09:03:00

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Sampdoria and Italy forward Antonio Cassano has rejected the chance to leave Genoa to join Fiorentina.

The 27-year-old admitted that he was tempted to move on, before being swayed by the reaction of the club's fans.

An official statement from Cassano read: "I am staying at Sampdoria. I do this for president Riccardo Garrone, for 'my' people, my team-mates and above all for me.

"On Saturday I was given the chance to join Fiorentina. It's a great club and a wonderful squad that asked me to be a part of their ambitious project until June and also to play in the Champions League.

"I cannot deny that I considered it, as my prospects of playing at Samp have been greatly reduced, according to the latest comments from the coach.

"I repeat my respect for the tactician's decisions, but it is precisely because of this, in a moment of profound disappointment, that I couldn't help but look at the Viola option.

"However, very quickly the city of Genoa and 'my' people truly buried me in shows of affection and love. I was honestly moved and touched."