Cassano's move to AC Milan seemed to be going smoothly, but one clause became the sole obstacle. When Sampdoria signed Cassano from Real Madrid, there was a supplementary clause: if Sampdoria were to sell Cassano, Real Madrid would receive 5 million euros. Previously, Galliani had clearly stated that Milan would not pay this 5 million, and although Real Madrid President Florentino Perez had a good friendship with Galliani, since this clause was signed by the previous president, Calderon, Florentino also expressed his helplessness - Real Madrid must fully receive the 5 million euros. Milan was unwilling to pay, Real Madrid was unwilling to waive it, and although Sampdoria urgently needed to deal with Cassano, they obviously wouldn't be foolish enough to cover the 5 million themselves. Cassano was eager to join Milan, but for him to pay the 5 million would seem to be a rather large amount. Thus, who would pay the 5 million became a rather complicated issue.
Last week, the Italian Sports Arbitration Court made its final ruling on the matter between Cassano and Sampdoria. The result was that Cassano did not immediately become a free agent, but would remain with the team until the summer of 2013 according to the contract, with his salary halved. However, it is clear that Sampdoria owner Garrone does not plan to keep Cassano in the team any longer, and their separation is inevitable. Since Cassano only wants to stay in the Lombardy region, Inter Milan and AC Milan have become the only two clubs that meet Cassano's conditions. Following Moratti's public admission of contacting Cassano, and then Galliani's public acknowledgment that Milan will sign Cassano, Milan has become the only buyer that meets Cassano's conditions. Subsequently, the media revealed that Cassano had already agreed on a contract with Milan, signing a contract until 2014 with an annual salary of 3 million euros.