Gennaro Gattuso has revealed his regret over missing out on the Tottenham Hotspur job.
Spurs ended talks with him amid a backlash from supporters over the proposed appointment of the Italian.
Nuno Espirito Santo was eventually hired to replace Jose Mourinho.
"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."
