Gennaro Gattuso has opened up on his “huge disappointment” after his failed attempt to become Tottenham manager.
Gattuso, 43, only lasted 22 days at now former club Fiorentina before being linked to the vacant managerial role at the north London club.
It looked likely that the ex-AC Milan player was going to take over the reigns from Jose Mourinho, who was sacked in April after 18 months in charge.
This didn’t come to fruition though, with the club moving on to their next candidate after the hashtag #NoToGattuso went viral the night the news broke about the 43-year-old closing in on the role.
After careful consideration, Daniel Levy and co ended the 72 day managerial search and went for former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo to takeover for the upcoming 2021/22 season.
Comments made by the Italian over the years came to the surface, with derogatory quotes about women’s involvement in football causing controversy.
In an interview with Italian outlet II Messagero, the 43-year-old blamed the existence and nature of the “web”‘ when it came to explaining why he didn’t acquire the role ahead of Espirito Santo.
He said: “I had to accept a story that hurts more than any defeat or dismissal, in a moment when we don’t want to understand how dangerous the web can be.”
What really annoyed the ex-Napoli coach was that he was apparently unable to defend himself against the accusations made on social media that he adamantly claimed weren’t true.
Gattuso added: “It was a huge disappointment, but I wasn’t described for the way I am and there was nothing I could do.
“I am sorry I could not defend myself and explain that I am not the person they were talking about in England.”
After experiencing the ruthlessness of social media, the ex-Milan captain shared his disdain for the platform and revealed that he wants no part of it now, or even in the future.
The 43-year-old concluded: “Certain malice comes from Facebook or Twitter, where it is possible to give strength to any falsehood.
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“I don’t have social media profiles and I don’t want them, neither [my wife] Monica has. Why should I let them insult me for anything? I don’t even have Instagram.
“I don’t understand, if I drink a bottle of wine, what’s the point of taking a picture to let others know.
“It’s my business, my children Gabriela and Francesco know it.”