Source: PA
Macheda: I didn't insult Rooney
Federico Macheda has moved to clarify comments he made about Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.
Macheda used the term `coatto' to describe the England striker in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport while on Italy Under-21 duty this week.
`Coatto' has been interpreted in various ways with some of the British newspapers using `chav' as the English equivalent while `vulgar and violent' have also appeared.
However, Macheda said on Friday there was no criticism intended of the former Everton man.
He told Gazzetta: "I said `coatto' in the Roman way, but with the minimum intention to offend Rooney. I like him and I have maximum respect for him.
"What I wanted to say is that for me he is a free spirit and genuine. I sent a message to Rio Ferdinand to clarify everything with Wayne and Rio told me not to worry, everything is fine."
