Milan: Former Italy international Antonio Cassano on Sunday dismissed as “stupid” talk of him joining a club in China.

The 35-year-old, who has hesitated over retirement since leaving Verona last summer, was capped 39 times by Italy in his career and played for Roma, Real Madrid and both Milan clubs.

Despite interest from China, the forward whose career was packed with controversy, told Corriere della Sera anyone who goes to China does so purely for financial reasons.

“Going to China? Stupid. For me everyone is free to do what they want,” he said. “But whoever goes to play in China should admit they are doing it for the money.”