Antonio Cassano is now back at home after being released from hospital. The Italian has received many warm wishes from people all over the world in his time in the hospital, the most touching being the ‘forza Cassano’ shirts Real Madrid wore before their match against Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday. For a club that he only played with for two seasons – and they were not the most productive years it has to be said – it was truly a real sign of respect and compassion, thank you Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho.

In response to all the love Antonio received, he has written a letter addressed to those who have helped in his time of crisis, read it below.

I have also provided the video where you can see Real’s tribute.

“Dear friends,

I just wanted to express my gratitude, on behalf of myself and my family, for the well wishes that have poured in over the last few days. Whatever sadness or difficulty I felt was soon replaced by the show of affection from people all over the world. The President, Silvio Berlusconi, Adriano Galliani, Massimiliano Allegri, the doctors Tavana and Mazzoni, all the staff, my team mates and everyone involved at Milan have constantly been close to me. Thanks to them and the doctors who have taken care of me I was able to face this strange ’injury’ with courage.

Antonio Cassano

Reading this letter gives one great optimism that he will be back sooner rather than later for all the sympathy that has been forward to Antonio can only mean he will recover quicker than expected.