Antonio Cassano claimed he has promised Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero that he will behave himself to earn a contract at the Genoa-based club.
Cassano signed a two-year deal with Sampdoria in August, ending a seven-month stint without a club after terminating his contract with Parma in January due to unpaid wages.
"Thank you a thousand times to the president and everyone else who worked so hard to bring me back," Cassano said, according to Gazzetta World.
"During each transfer session I tried to return; but it is normal that some coaches are not keen on some players.
"When I called [coach Walter] Zenga, he immediately understood my motivation and that was all it took.
"I do not want to come here and cause controversy where there is none however, I have to stay out of trouble and focus. That is what I promised Ferrero."
Cassano added: "I can be a symbol and a leader, like [Angelo] Palombo who has been here a long time."
"On a physical level I am a little behind the others, but I am ready to fight for Sampdoria's cause. I am ready in my head but I still need to lose a bit of weight," he said.
"Some of you [journalists] write stupid things sometimes," he said.
"I never contacted Balotelli; I am not a sporting director.
"With [Luis] Muriel and Eder, for whom I have a lot of respect, why would I call another player?"
