Spurs turned to former Italy midfielder Gattuso after missing out on several other candidates in their search for a new manager earlier this summer.
However, fans strongly opposed the move due to controversial comments previously made by Gattuso about same-sex marriage and racism.
The hashtag #NoToGattuso was trending on Twitter before Gattuso dropped out of contention and Spurs eventually turned to Nuno Espirito Santo.
“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.”
Gattuso also had a bust-up with former Spurs coach Joe Jordan during a Champions League match with AC Milan in 2011.
He is currently without a job after being sacked by Napoli at the end of last season. He had a very brief spell in charge of Fiorentina, which lasted just 23 days after his appointment was announced.
Source: Eurosport
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