Cassano´s life-threatening illness

AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano said he feared for his life after falling ill on the flight home from his side’s 3-2 win over Roma in October.

The Italy international has been out of action since, and underwent surgery for an irregular heartbeat, but was recently given the all clear to resume his playing career.

“I was afraid to die, and then past that, I thought about retiring from football,” Cassano told Studio Sport.

However, Cassano is entering the final stages of his recovery and even took part in a training game against Milan’s youth team on Wednesday, sparking rumours he could feature against Fiorentina on Saturday.

“Now I am ready to return, perhaps on Saturday against Fiorentina,” Cassano said.

The former Roma and Real Madrid striker has scored two goals in nine Serie A appearances for Milan this season.