Gennaro Gattuso insists his failed appointment as Tottenham boss ‘hurts more than any defeat’ as he could not defend himself against accusation on social media.
The former Milan midfielder was in talks to become the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, but Spurs decided against appointing him after a social media campaign from fans of the North London club.
Gattuso was accused of being racist and sexist due to some of his statements from the past, so the Tottenham board ended talks with the former Milan midfielder and coach.
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner had just terminated his contract with Fiorentina due to disagreements over the club’s transfer strategies. He had signed his contract with the Serie A side 23 days prior.
However, the former Napoli coach has no regrets about the end of his short chapter in Florence.
“I don’t even want to talk about it,” the 43-year-old told Il Messaggero.
“It’s useless to add further details, I’ve already forgotten that story, but I can’t do the same with the other one.”
And the ‘other one’ is the possibility of becoming the new Tottenham coach.
“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,” Gattuso 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.
“Certain malice comes from Facebook or Twitter, where it is possible to give strength to any falsehood.
“I don’t have social media profiles and I don’t want them, neither [my wife] Monica has.
L'EX – Gattuso e il no del Tottenham: "Non ho potuto difendermi, il web è pericoloso" https://t.co/Q2JvRDm7KK
— Antonio Petrazzuolo (@apetrazzuolo) July 19, 2021
“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.”
Italian women’s football legend Carolina Morace was one of those who defended Gattuso against allegations.
“Rino Gattuso and I have been working together at Milan, and, since then, we have never stopped to discuss and share professional ideas and views,” she wrote on Twitter after Tottenham had ended talks with the Italian tactician.
“Gattuso is against any form of discrimination and is a person with rare gifts. Those who say the contrary do not know him at all.”