Real send best wishes to Cassano

Real Madrid sent a message of support to their former player Antonio Cassano before their 7-1 win at home over Osasuna on Sunday.

The AC Milan striker, who wore the number 19 jersey in his first six months at Real, suffered an ischemic stroke on the flight back to Milan after their 3-2 win at Roma, and successfully underwent minor heart surgery earlier this week.

Real players came onto the pitch wearing shirts with number 19 on the back and the message ‘Forza Cassano’ on the front ahead of their demolition of the Pamplona-based side in a tribute to the Italian international.

The striker is expected to be out for four to six months.

Earlier, Real captain Iker Casillas posted a message of support for Cassano on his official Facebook page.

“This message is for a friend and for a former team-mate,” it read. “All our support from here, ‘crack’ … You’re a great guy, a bit crazy but a great guy. FORZA CASSANO!”