‘Huge disappointment’: Gennaro Gattuso explains feelings around Spurs job rumours

Gennaro Gattuso has expressed his disappointment about missing out on the Tottenham job because of social media backlash.

The former AC Milan and Napoli was heavily linked (via Fabrizio Romano) with the then-vacant Spurs position last month, just days after ending a short-lived spell at Fiorentina.

However, the hashtag #NoToGattuso quickly began to trend on Twitter, with some Tottenham fans pointing towards controversial comments made by the Italian in the past.

Spurs eventually appointed Nuno Espirito Santo as Jose Mourinho’s permanent replacement instead after a long and arduous managerial search.

And now, Gattuso has revealed he was hurt by the way he was not able to defend himself against his social media critics.

Speaking to Italian outlet Il Messaggero (via the London Evening Standard), Gattuso said: “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.”

It remains unclear whether the fan backlash was the definitive reason behind Tottenham seemingly pulling out of talks with Gattuso and switching their attentions to Nuno.

In any case, it is all in the past now and Spurs must push forward with improving the squad ahead of the new season, which starts in a few weeks.