'He thought I was an idiot and why the hell had they signed me?' - Big time Real Madrid flop explains why he made 'embarrassing' decision to wear a fur coat to transfer unveiling

Former Italian forward Cassano has reflected on his ill-fated Real Madrid stint, revealing why he believes club legend and sporting director Emilio Butragueno thought he was an “idiot” after turning up to his unveiling in a fur coat. The outspoken Italian, who joined Los Blancos in 2006, admitted he made a “madman” decision during his arrival in Spain, which immediately shaped the perception of him inside the club. Cassano’s story came from a revealing interview where he opened up about the first impressions he left, and why, in hindsight, he agrees with them.

Cassano’s time at Madrid remains one of the most chaotic chapters of his career. Despite his undoubted talent, he failed to make an impact in Spain due to poor discipline, lack of fitness and personal clashes. The anecdote about his fur coat perfectly captures the culture clash and lack of professionalism that derailed his stint at the Bernabeu. While the likes of Butragueno embodied the old-guard values of the club, Cassano’s flamboyance and unpredictability didn’t align, making his Madrid spell more memorable for off-field stories than footballing achievements.

Recalling the moment he first met Butragueno, the former Italy international painted a vivid picture of his eccentric debut: "Great, Butragueno. Polite, very shy, calm. Always reserved. I remember arriving [in Madrid after his signing] with a fur coat that, my goodness... I'm embarrassed. And he said: 'Please, tomorrow put on a suit'. I told him to relax, but then I thought that these people had signed me knowing that I'm crazy. And I went with that coat. They introduced me to Di Stefano, another legend. And I remember Emilio looking at me, petrified, and I think that in his head, Butragueno believed that I was an idiot, an imbecile, and why the hell had they signed me. And today I agree with him. Because only a madman like me could do something like that."

Cassano made just 29 appearances and scored four goals during a chaotic 18-month spell at Madrid. He was suspended for disrespecting coach Fabio Capello, claimed on air he’d walk back to Italy to rejoin Roma, suffered injuries and was eventually loaned to Sampdoria. His time in Spain was also marred by poor fitness, Cassano admitted to gaining 14kg and receiving weekly fines for being overweight. Despite his flop at Madrid, he revived his career in Italy, winning Serie A with AC Milan and playing a key role in the Azzurri's run to the Euro 2012 final.

While Cassano’s memories are now just colourful history, Real Madrid’s 2025-26 season begins in earnest this week. The new manager Xabi Alonso has returned for pre-season with medicals and training at Valdebebas as he prepares his title-chasing squad. With high-profile young signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Franco Mastantuono arriving, the focus is on squad rotation, youth integration, and making the right first impressions.