Capello's trouble with Ronaldo and Cassano: One smelled of alcohol, the other ordered fries

Fabio Capello sat on the Real Madrid bench twice in his career and both times brought titles to the Royal Club in the Primera Division. In the first term, he managed to fit the attacking trio Suker-Mijatović-Raul, made Roberto Carlos and Clarence Seedorf players for great occasions... In the second, he collaborated with even bigger stars, but also 'smaller' professionals. First of all - Ronaldo and Antonio Cassano.

The already trophy-winning Italian talked about how difficult it was for him to work with the Brazilian, and the Spanish media are reporting new statements related to the famous goal scorer.

Capello and Ronaldo met at Real Madrid in the summer of 2006 but already parted ways in the winter.

"In February 2007, I decided to fire Ronaldo. He was someone who likes to have too much fun and had a negative effect on the group," explained the trophy-winning strategist.

In one of the earlier interviews, Capello said that after arriving at Real Madrid, Ruud van Nistelrooy complained to him that the dressing room smelled of alcohol.

"That is true," confirmed the Italian.

The reason for parting with Ronaldo was his overweight.

"When I arrived, Ronaldo weighed 94 kilograms. At the 2002 World Cup, he weighed 82. I told him to lose weight, which he did. He dropped to 92.5".

Unhappy Real players send indirect messages to Ancelotti

When former AC Milan employer Silvio Berlusconi called him for advice, Capello told him not to bring in the Brazilian. He did not listen to him, and the transfer amounted to around 8,000,000 euros.

"Berlusconi called me one day and asked a hypothetical question about buying Ronaldo. I advised him not to do it, I told him he was a guy who likes to party and only thinks about women. He thanked me, and the next day I read the headline: 'Ronaldo in Milan,'" Capello recalled.

In two seasons in Milan, Ronaldo collected barely 20 matches, scoring six goals. He spent more time in the infirmary than on the field...

The Brazilian was not the only psychological challenge that Fabio Capello faced in Madrid. Antonio Cassano also caused him problems.

"We often argued. Cassano used to order fries before every game, which is unacceptable, but I was more angry with our chef than with him," the Italian manager said.