Sampdoria president jokes Ronado ‘had to be booked after that leap’

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Massimo Ferrero jokes Cristiano Ronado “had to be booked after that leap” and reveals Antonio Cassano could return to Sampdoria as a director.

Ronaldo rose to 2.56m when he scored a header during Juventus’ 2-1 win at Samp last night, and Ferrero’s reaction to the goal was typically unorthodox.

“The team are there, we saw that yesterday against Juve,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I must say that Ronaldo had to be booked after that leap. It was as if he was taking off like an airplane! Cristiano won the game, but my boys defended well.”

The Blucerchiati’s summer dealings have come under criticism following a lacklustre first half to the season, saved by the appointment of Claudio Ranieri, so will they do much business next month?

“We must take some time out to understand [what we need] but, if in January we need to strengthen the team, I’m ready for that.

“Ranieri’s the last emperor, he’s an important man who’s brought serenity to the team. He makes up for the things I do. Ferrero breaks them, Ranieri adjusts them.”

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Finally, Ferrero was asked about Cassano possibly returning in a role upstairs and his former coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, who continues to put up a brave battle against cancer.

“He’s always been my love, I’ve shown that. He’s a bit of an odd ball, but he’s an intelligent guy who knows his football.

“It’s a bit premature to talk about [him coming back] because things aren’t said. They’re done.

“I told Antonio, ‘we’ll see you in June.’ As for Sinisa, he’s an example for everyone in the world.

“He can lose a game with Bologna or the teams he’s coached, but he’s won the game of life. Sinisa, I love you.”

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