Former Italy Striker Antonio Cassano Reveals Juventus Missed Out On ‘Animal’ Erling Braut Haaland

Former AC Milan and Italy international Antonio Cassano claims he advised Juventus to sign young prodigy Erling Braut Haaland when he was playing in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg.

Following his impressive displays in last seasons Champions League, Haaland scored 28 goals in all competitions, eight of which came in Europe’s elite competition, before making the move to German giants Borussia Dortmund in January for $28million.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich were all running the rule over the 19-year-old before he made the move to Dortmund, and since then Manchester United have registered their interest and are keen to take him to Old Trafford.

Cassano reiterated he had contacted Juve sporting director Piero Ausilio to make a move for the youngster before his move to Dortmund, having told Christian Vieri in an Instagram chat.

“When he started playing with Salzburg I recommended him to Ausilio, he said he had already spotted him”, Cassano said.

Featuring 10 times in 39 senior international appearances for his country, Cassano, who played for Roma, Real Madrid and both Milan clubs believes Haaland could go on to become one of the world’s best.

“He keeps the team-high, scores and knows how to play with both feet. He is an animal, he is not afraid of anything or anyone.”

Haaland remains happy under Lucien Favre and a move away in the near future looks highly unlikely given his huge price tag of $320million which has been slapped on him by his current employers. The Norweigan star is also enjoying life in Germany and has no plans to leave any time soon.

“To be honest, this has been one of the greatest moments in my whole life,” said Haaland, who revealed he has been spending much of his time during lockdown training, meditating and playing FIFA 20″, he told the clubs fans on Dortmund’s official website.

“When that happens, it is simply incredible and indescribable. It is pure goosebumps. Seeing the [Yellow] Wall and all these fans is just amazing. It is one of the greatest feelings you can have.”

Haaland has been likened to former Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski but has not included him in two of his soccer idols when growing up.

“I had a lot of idols as a child,” he added. “But if I have to name two players, it would be Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović.”

Juve would be unwilling to spend such a fee on any player, therefore it is unlikely that Haaland would be sharing a dressing room with one of his key idols Ronaldo in the near future it seems.