Lock me up if I’m a Milan flop, says Cassano

ROME: Controversial striker Antonio Cassano promised AC Milan on Friday that he would not betray the Italian giants, insisting that if he fails at the San Siro he deserves to be locked-up.

The former Real Madrid, AS Roma and Sampdoria star has already made his mark with Milan by coming off the bench on his debut last week and setting up the winner in a 1-0 victory over Cagliari.

Now the 28-year-old realises Milan will be his last chance to show his true talents.

“If I can’t succeed here, then I am really only good for the mental asylum. After all the bullshit I have caused, this is my last chance not to betray those who have believed in me,” he said.

“I am 100% certain that I will not make any more mistakes.”

“There have been mistakes ... but I don’t regret anything. But now, I have to change. I want to win and here that is all that matters. Here the fines (for indiscipline) are really big.”

Cassano also pledged to improve his work rate for Milan who went into this weekend’s programme with a four-point lead at the top of Serie A.

“I have never been a big worker on my physical shape, but when I see players like Nesta, Gattuso, Ibrahimovic, Seedorf, who have won a lot ... it’s mad the way they work, but why shouldn’t I do the same.

“I am working like a dog, but I am happy.”

Cassano joined Sampdoria from Real Madrid in 2007, but he was frozen out of the club after insulting president Riccardo Garrone during an argument in October.

Sampdoria had applied to have his contract unilaterally terminated for gross misconduct.

An Italian League arbitration board ruled that his salary should be cut by 50%, but that his contract could not be cancelled.

Cassano, who has also played for Roma, has 20 international caps and had looked set to become a first-choice player under Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.

Now he believes a settled time at Milan will help resurrect his international career.

“I want to thank Sampdoria from the bottom of my heart, but there had been a problem there. Now I am happy, really happy,” he said.

“If I play well, I can return to the national side. I have a lot of respect for Prandelli. He comforted me during my difficult times and now I want my place back.”