Gattuso emerged as a surprise candidate to take over from Jose Mourinho in North London but Spurs swiftly ended negotiations with the 2006 World Cup winner after their fans kicked against the idea online.
The 43-year-old severed ties with Napoli at the end of the 2020/2021 campaign and was appointed manager of Fiorentina shortly after but lasted just 23 days in charge of his new role before stepping down due to disagreements with the club’s hierarchy over transfer policies.
Spurs fans rejecting Gattuso stems from his previous comments on racism, same-sex marriages and women in football but the former AC Milan midfielder maintains those allegations are not entirely true.
“It was a huge disappointment, but I wasn’t described for the way I am and there was nothing I could do,” Gattuso told Il Messaggero in Italy.
“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.”
