Wayne Rooney a chav? I meant a free spirit, says Manchester United's Federico Macheda

Federico Macheda has revealed how he texted Rio Ferdinand in an attempt to defuse comments he made about his ManchesterUnited team-mate Wayne Rooney.The 19-year-old caused a stir with an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport - labelling Rooney the equivalent of a chav. Face to face: Macheda (left) and his United team-mate RooneyWho's a chav? Rooney this weekSome reporters translated the word as 'vulgur', 'working class' and even'violent', but Macheda insists he had no intention of insulting the underfire England striker.'I said 'coatto' in the Roman way, but with the minimum intention to offend Rooney,' he said. 'Ilike 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.'Macheda is on Under 21 duty with Italy and might have feared the reaction on his return to Manchester.In the controversial original interview, there was little doubt he was praising Rooney's help, but raised eyebrows when he said: 'Rooney isa really great person, he always gives me advice. But, as we say in Rome, he's a bit of a coatto.' Rooney is a chav! Macheda's dig at Manchester United strike partnerEngland picked Rooney in fear of Montenegro upset, claims KranjcarRooney's fortune plummets after Man United striker's sordid secrets revealed MANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail