Gennaro Gattuso insists the collapse of his appointment at Tottenham Hotspur ‘hurts more than any defeat’ after being unable to defend himself from a fierce social media backlash.
The former AC Milan midfielder became the shock favourite to become the new Spurs boss after leaving his role at Fiorentina just 23 days into the job in June, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy pulled the plug following a social media campaign against the appointment by Spurs fans.
The phrase ‘No to Gattuso’ was trending on Twitter after controversial historic comments made by Gattuso on women in football, same-sex marriage and racism were brought to light on social media.
While the 43-year-old claimed he had no regrets about his short-lived time in Florence after leaving due to disagreements over the club’s transfer strategies, he suggested the Tottenham snub hurt a little bit more.
When asked about the Fiorentina exit, the 43-year-old told Il Messaggero: ‘I don’t even want to talk about it. 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’ Guttuso refers to is the now dissipated prospect of taking over at Tottenham, as he lifted the lid on not being able to defend himself from a barrage of criticism circulating online and the effect it had on him and his family.
‘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 added.
‘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 has [my wife] Monica.
‘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.’
After weeks of failed moved for managers including the likes of Antonio Conte, Paulo Foncesca and Brendan Rodgers, Spurs have eventually found their man in the form of former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
After the appointment of former Roma boss Foncesca fell through, Gattuso became the shock favourite for the job after he became suddenly available, and he held brief talks with the club’s representatives.
But inside 24 hours Spurs had pulled the plug after the north London club’s fanbase made their feelings clear on social media.
‘Gennaro Gattuso is now the number one target for manager’, one fan wrote.
‘The same Gennaro Gattuso that who just walked out of the Fiorentina job after 22 days because of disagreements over transfer strategies between him, Jorge Mendes and the board. Tottenham Hotspur football club everyone.’
Another wrote: ‘Gattuso is as defensive as they come, he doesn’t fit in any shape or form and has just left a job after 22 days due to transfer policy.
‘It’s the most ridiculous and incompetent appointment possible, so of course it will happen.’
The former Italy midfielder also had a famous touchline nose-to-nose bust-up with then Spurs coach Joe Jordan during a Champions League clash with AC Milan in 2011.
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