Marcos Cafu has revived his career since
joining Milan and now claims former teammates Antonio Cassano and
Ronaldo should follow suit.
“I would be happy to see Cassano in a Rossoneri jersey,” smiled the
ex-Roma hero. “He is a great player and perhaps having success so young
made him a difficult character to deal with, but he remains a brilliant
creative force who can start deep and score goals. With the club
structure we have here, he’d learn to become a legend.”
Milan have been among the clubs linked to a swoop for the troubled
youngster, whose contract expires with Roma in 2006. Juventus, Real
Madrid and Chelsea are the other options, though a sale is unlikely
unless FIFA’s transfer embargo is lifted.
The Giallorossi’s appeal against that decision – imposed after the
contentious Philippe Mexes move from Auxerre – will be answered by the
TAS tribunal on Monday. Meanwhile, Cafu reveals that Cassano isn’t the
only player interested in San Siro affairs.
“Ronaldo always asks me about Milan and what’s happening here. I think
it’s because there are so many of us Brazilians in the side, but he is
interested in our progress.”
There had been rumours of a shock move back to Serie A for Inter’s arch
rivals, but Il Fenomeno is staying with Real Madrid for the moment.
Cafu has been on scintillating form so far this summer and regularly
thrashed his younger opponents for pace despite turning 35 in June.
“My children keep me active, that’s the secret of my fitness,” he joked.
“The whole team has prepared well for this new campaign and seeing the
likes of Paolo Maldini and Billy Costacurta really spurs you on to work
harder. There is time to renegotiate my contract, but I was pleased the
club assured me they were more than happy with my performance. It would
be nice to conclude my career at Milan.”
There are nonetheless reports that his heir in the Seleçao will also
take that role at club level – the Rossoneri are tracking starlet
Cicinho.
“He did very well in the Confederations Cup with Brazil and is also
impressing with San Paolo,” noted Cafu. “Cicinho is one to watch and
certainly able to compete at the highest level in Europe.” |
