Gennaro Gattuso has revealed he was distraught to miss out on the Tottenham Hotspur job before Nuno Espirito Santo was given the role.

The Lowdown: Gattuso a target

Former AC Milan and Napoli boss Gattuso was approached by Spurs to take over from Jose Mourinho (via TEAMtalk), who was sacked in April.

However, after discussions had progressed, Daniel Levy and co decided to go in another direction (via The Daily Mail).

The Latest: Gattuso shares disappointment

Speaking to Italian outlet Il Messaggero (via theworldgame.sbs), Gattuso shared his disappointment at being overlooked. He said:

"It was a huge disappointment, but I wasn't described the way I am and there was nothing I could do," Gattuso told Il Messaggero.

"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 internet can be."

The Verdict: Spurs went with safer choice

As a player, Gattuso was one of the best midfielders in the world, winning countless trophies with AC Milan as well as the World Cup with Italy in 2006. While his managerial career has not yet hit the same heights, he has still done relatively well, even managing to win the Coppa Italia with Napoli.

The 43-year-old is outspoken - just as he was as a player - and he has rarely settled at any club of which he has been in charge (sportskeeda.com). Nuno, meanwhile, appears to be the safer choice. He has managed in the Premier League and has not been followed by controversy. Only time will tell whether Levy made the right decision.

In other news, Tottenham make a bid for this Euro 2020 winner.