Federico Macheda has moved to clarify comments he made about Man United team-mate Wayne Rooney.
Macheda meant no offence to United team-mate
Federico Macheda has moved to clarify comments he made about Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.
On Thursday, Macheda used the term 'coatto' to describe Rooney when speaking to Gazzetta Della Sport whilst on Italy Under 21 duty.
'Coatto' was interpreted as 'working class and vulgar' by some sections of the British media, but on Friday Macheda has insisted there was no criticism of his United counterpart.
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."
