A Stroke of Genius

AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano, 29, has undergone heart surgery after suffering a  mini-stroke just hours after his side’s 3-2 victory in the Stadio Olimpico.

The ex-Roma striker appeared as a substitute on his return to the capital and the ischaemic stroke which followed was caused by a hole in his heart which took just under an hour to operate successfully on last night.

It was with great regret that I learned the news of Cassano’s illness, a player who has entertained those among us who appreciate a mercurial execution of vivacious skill.

It is no coincidence that the immortal Maradona was the first to express his sorrow for Casanno’s plight – the most naturally skilful player to grace the earth whose own career was hampered, diverted and almost destroyed by health problems due to his excessive lifestyle.

Cassano, like Maradona practically lost his way in Spain during his time at Real Madrid – competing for a place behind the great Ronaldo and the Spanish demagogue Raul.

His move to Sampdoria was a turning point in his complicated career – and like the legendary Argentine did during his spell at Napoli after a Catalan collision course in Barcelona, Cassano guided his new club to dizzy heights of success.

He’s a dying breed – and a scare such as this deserves recognition. The Cassano’s of this world should be extinct by now given the emphasis of pace, athleticism and brutal efficiency in the modern game.

But Darwin’s ‘Survival of the Fittest’ does not exclude magicians. Cassano and his kin may not be able to keep up with the chaotic haste football is played in nowadays – but he doesn’t need to – he makes the game keep up with him.

Players like this imaginative Italian make football games a show as well as an examination – we should cherish them.

Wish Antonio a speedy return to good health – unless you’re a Serie A defender that is.