Adelaide United FC strongly dismissed speculation that Brazilian defender/midfielder Cassio has walked out on the club.
It was rumoured that The Reds' 2007/08 Club Champion was on the outer after he was not part of United's squad that faced Gold Coast United last Friday, however Coach Aurelio Vidmar and Cassio himself both claim the speculation could not be further from the truth.
"I don't know where that story has come from. He's a contracted player, he's a required player, he's on a two year deal and as far as I know he'll fulfil those two years," Vidmar said at a media conference earlier today.
"We're happy to move forward and he's certainly committed to the club which is great. He's a required player here and he came here today with a different mindset, a very positive mindset and so that augurs well for the club."
Vidmar admitted to having held a meeting with Cassio last Thursday about a number of matters leading into the match with Gold Coast, however the discussions never ended in any conflict between club and player.
"He brought up a couple of issues and we tried to resolve them, and then Cassio wasn't in the mental state to play the game on Friday, so I'm pretty sure we've resolved the situation," Vidmar said.
"It's a part of what happens in football so we're delighted that he's made the right decision, and he's comfortable with what's going on and he can solely focus on giving 100 per cent for the club."
Cassio joined the squad for its recovery session on Saturday morning and also trained at Thebarton Oval today despite missing the game against the Gold Coast, the 29-year old stating that he was not in the right frame of mind, and would not have been a benefit to the team last Friday.
"I wasn't feeling well, especially mentally and when you don't feel good mentally, you can't do your job properly so this is why I didn't play last Friday," Cassio explained.
"There were particular issues with me, I can't say it here because it stays between me and the club but like I said, I feel comfortable to come to the people here and say what's happening with me. Now it's time to move on, I'm looking forward to this next game and that's it."
"I feel comfortable in this club like I feel at home, and I felt comfortable coming to the club and the coaching staff and explaining my situation and what happened with me last week. It's all fine, time to move on. I will stay here, play on Friday night and am happy to stay and help the club."
Cassio said there was 'no chance' of him heading to another club while he is contracted to Adelaide United, and that he is totally committed in putting all of his energy into contributing positively to The Reds.
"I'm still under contract at this club, I respect this club, my teammates, the fans and my family, and I will stay here," Cassio said.
"I play for this club, he (Vidmar) is the manager and if he wants to play me goalkeeper, right full back, striker, midfield I will go because I have a contract here and I'm professional."
"With me and the club, I will try my max to do my job on the pitch, and try the best to get the wins and get to the grand final like last year."
