Totenham accusations still hurt, says Gatuso
MILAN: Outspoken Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso regreted on Monday having been unable to defend himself amid an online campaign by some Totenham Hotspur fans accusing him of being homophobic and racist.
The 2006 World Cup winner had looked set to succeed Jose Mourinho as manager of the Premier League side before the accusations.
Ater 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.
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.
“I had to accept a story that hurt me more than any defeat or suspension,” Gatuso told Il Messaggero.
“My regret is that I did not have the opportunity to defend myself, to explain that what people in England said was not me.”
Gatuso let Napoli at the end of last season, moving to Serie A rivals Fiorentina where he spent just three weeks before quiting ater a row over strategy and signings.
“On the Fiorentina question it is beter to leave it alone, too much has been said about it and it’s useless to add other details,” he explained.
“Another story, however, is still open because I cannot forget, the disappointment was too great. They described me in a different way than I am and there was nothing to be done.”
“Nobody wants to take note of the danger of the web,” he continued.
“Some bad things come from Facebook and Twiter, where it is possible to give strength to any falsehood. I don’t have any (social media) profile and I don’t want to. Why should I be insulted for anything? I don’t understand, if I drink a botle of wine, what is the reason for taking a picture to let others know.”
Meanwhile Gatuso said he was on the lookout for a new opportunity.
“I’ll be back soon. I’m waiting to start over and study, I’ll update myself,” he said.
“We’ll see when some opportunities arise. I’m also ready for a national team, even if I like the daily job more.”
Gatuso, a 43-year-old former AC Milan and Rangers midfielder and ex-milan coach, led Napoli to their first major trophy as a coach when they won the Italian Cup in 2020.