Paolo Di Canio has vowed to learn from his experience at Sunderland and return to English football as a better manager.
The Italian has ended his silence since his sacking at the Stadium of Light by insisting he will "take something positive" from his tumultuous 13-game spell in charge.
And he dismissed reports that a training ground bust-up were responsible for his dismissal, claiming players sent messages of support in the wake of his exit.
In a statement issued to the Press Association, Di Canio said: "I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can.
"When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.
"Even though my time at the club ended prematurely, I would like to thank Sunderland for giving me my first opportunity to be a Premier League manager."
Di Canio was axed after the Black Cats' 3-0 defeat at West Brom, having reportedly alienated some senior players by singling them out for criticism.
But Di Canio described reports that a delegation of senior players had demanded his exit as "wholly untrue".
Di Canio added: "There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers."
Di Canio replaced Martin O'Neill at the end of March and was credited with saving the club from relegation after inspiring a famous 3-0 win at north east rivals Newcastle in only his second match in charge.
Source: PA
