Cassano makes permanent move to Sampdoria from Real

[TheGift]

MADRID, May 30 (Reuters) - Italy striker Antonio Cassano has moved from Real Madrid to Sampdoria on a permanent basis after a successful loan deal with the Serie A club, the Primera Liga side said on Friday.

Real did not disclose any further details, but Spanish media said the temperamental 25-year-old had been given a free transfer.

Cassano joined Real on a 4-1/2-year deal from AS Roma for 5.5 million euros in January 2006, but never settled at the Bernabeu and had several run-ins with then coach Fabio Capello during the following season.

He made it clear he did not want to remain at Real and went on loan to Sampdoria in August last year.

He had a superb campaign with the Serie A club but also hit the headlines for being given a five-match ban for verbally abusing a referee and throwing his shirt at him.

Eyebrows were raised last week when Roberto Donadoni named him in the Italy squad for Euro 2008, having not been called up since 2006.

Cassano makes permanent move to Sampdoria from Real - World Soccer - Yahoo! Sports