Real director questions Toto swoop

Wednesday 19 April, 2006

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Real Madrid’s technical director Benito Floro has revealed that he didn’t pinpoint Antonio Cassano as a transfer objective.

The Italian starlet joined the Spanish giants in January for £3.5m after the youngster refused to sign a new contract at Roma.

But Floro has today claimed that the former Bari man was not a player who he believed was key to the future of the outfit.

“I never requested the acquisition of Antonio Cassano,” Floro told Spanish radio station Cadena Star.

“I had a different type of attacker in mind, one who was stronger and had certain characteristics, yet there was nobody like that available at the time,” he added.

“But the club had already decided to go for an attacker like Cassano even before Raul and Ronaldo picked up injuries.”

Floro’s ‘dream’ signing was probably Inter ace Adriano, a player the official admits is of interest for the 2006-07 campaign.

"I've recommended as priority signings a powerful central striker like Adriano and a top midfielder in case Zinedine Zidane leaves,” he said.

"[Liverpool captain Steven] Gerrard is another player on the list that we wanted to sign previously.”

Adriano may be available for transfer after his problems at the San Siro this term, especially in 2006 where he has managed to net just three goals.

Meanwhile, Floro’s comments will cast further doubt on the future of Cassano in the Spanish capital.

He’s failed to establish himself in the side and rumours insist that he could return to Italy in the summer with Inter and Juventus keen.

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