AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has admitted that he wanted to retire from football following his heart problem.
The 29-year-old returned to action last month following heart surgery in November, and he has claimed that he considered quitting following the deaths of volleyball player Vigor Bovolenta and Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini during games.
"There was optimism after the surgery, but after athletes like Bovolenta and Morosini died while playing, I wanted to quit," Cassano told Chi magazine.
"I was incapable of making my own decisions. My wife was very worried, because I would sit on the couch and stare at the wall. I wanted to quit football. I said, 'I am done here, I am gambling my life. When doctors told me I could play again, I cried."
Cassano is part of the provisional Italy squad for Euro 2012.
