Gennaro Gattuso has admitted that he was bitterly disappointed to see the accusations levelled at him from some Tottenham fans when he was being linked with the North London club’s hot seat.
Tottenham held talks with a whole host of candidates before eventually deciding to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo as Jose Mourinho’s replacement.
Gattuso was one of the coaches the Premier League club entered into discussions with after he had parted ways with Fiorentina following just 23 days in charge of the club.
Some Spurs fans on social made their opposition to the Italian’s appointment clear, with the ‘#NoToGattuso’ trending in the UK at the time, citing the former AC Milan midfielder’s alleged sexist and homophobic comments.
It was reported that the negative reaction from the fans was the main reason behind why Tottenham pulled out of talks with the former AC Milan midfielder.
Gattuso has already come out and denied the accusations made against him, insisting his statements were misrepresented.
The former Napoli boss has now admitted that he now felt helpless at not being able to defend himself on social media.
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He told Il Messaggero (as relayed by Football Italia): “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.
“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.
“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.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is not entirely fair to make accusations of Gattuso without knowing the full facts of what he said in the past.
However, irrespective of whether the 43-year-old did actually make discriminatory statements in the past or whether he was misrepresented, the optics of his appointment would have still been terrible for Spurs.
So, I believe the club made the right decision in calling off talks with the Italian.
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