Antonio Cassano has reiterated his desire to stay at Sampdoria. “I'd drink a glass of President Riccardo Garrone's petrol,” he told a comedy show.

The club has begun proceedings to have his contract terminated following a row with President (and oil baron) Garrone.

“I'd drink a glass of petrol from the Garrone refinery if it meant his forgiveness,” joked the player on Striscia La Notizia.

“If possible I would like to play again, but it's up to the President. There was a discussion between myself and Garrone that ended in a complicated situation.

“I was meant to participate in an awards ceremony with him, I said no and tempers got heated.

“I had already told him two months ago that I had other commitments, but Garrone insisted. We got into some ugly words.

“My wife is pregnant, she isn't feeling very well, so it's obvious I wanted to stay close to her.”

Alleged details of the row emerged in the newspapers, but Cassano assures the quotes were inaccurate.

“I never called him an old man. I would never dare say such a thing. I said some things with the wrong tone.

“The most important thing for me right now is getting back on the field and, as I always said, I want to stay with Sampdoria, if that is possible.”

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