Cassano makes return to Sampdoria

Sampdoria have confirmed Antonio Cassano has returned to the club for a second spell and signed a two-year deal at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The 33-year-old was a free agent after terminating his contract with Parma towards the end of last season following a dispute over unpaid wages as the club suffered a financial meltdown.

But he has been handed a lifeline by his former club, despite the club's head coach Walter Zenga repeatedly rejecting any chance of Cassano returning.

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero intervened and wants the forward to become one of the club's leaders. 

"He will become our symbol,” he said. “He will prove himself to be a great man."

Cassano added his thoughts on the move with some brief words for the club's official website, saying: "I am so happy. Always Forza Samp!”

The former Italy international had endured a controversial career blighted by numerous episodes of indiscipline. Indeed, his first spell at Sampdoria ended under a cloud following a bust-up with former president Riccardo Garrone.