Cassano gets green light to resume career

AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has been given the formal all-clear to return to action after spending more than five months on the sidelines due to illness.

Today’s announcement means Cassano can immediately return to training with the rest of the club’s first-team squad and be considered for selection by Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Cassano, 29, has been out of action since being hospitalised after suffering stroke-like symptoms on a flight following Milan’s 3-2 victory at Roma on October 29.

The Italy international underwent minor surgery a week later to repair an atrial septal defect in his heart and was ruled out of action indefinitely.

The former Roma and Real Madrid man has always vowed that he would return as quickly as possible, and yesterday was passed fit by a 10-man body representing the Italian Sports Medicine Federation.

Cassano’s return was formally rubber-stamped today after Milan’s Medical Sports Institute and chief medical officer Rodolfo Tavana subjected the striker to a satisfactory final check-up.

“AC Milan would like to communicate that Antonio Cassano has been given the go-ahead to play by the various legal and medical institutes involved in evaluating his case,” a team statement read.

“Cassano can join the rest of the squad in training immediately and will also be available for selection.”