Monday 8 December 2014 11:15, UK
Martin Castrogiovanni has launched a scathing attack on Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill, using a string of expletives to describe his former boss.
Castrogiovanni, 33, left the Tigers to join Toulon in the summer and used post-match media access following the two sides' European Champions Cup clash to defend his reasons for leaving.
Toulon were beaten 25-21 at Welford Road on Sunday - a first defeat in 10 European games that diminished their lead over Leicester at the top of Pool Three to a single point.
"I didn't have an opportunity to defend myself when I left I wanted to clarify and talk face-to-face, which is something Cockerill never does,” said Castrogiovanni.
Love me or hate me, I am the kind of guy that if I hate you, I will say it to your face and I will never speak to you again.
“It was made to look like I had left the club for the money but I wanted to play rugby, and that's it. They had Dan Cole there and me and I wasn’t playing.
"Cockerill talks about the money but I paid £100,000 from my own pocket to leave Leicester because I want to play rugby.
"I will always love the club but I never want to speak with Cockerill anymore. Love me or hate me, I am the kind of guy that if I hate you, I will say it to your face and I will never speak to you again."
Cockerill, however, responded positively to the Italy international’s rant, insisting he had no ill feeling towards Castrogiovanni and that he hopes they will one day bury the hatchet.
“Castro was a fantastic icon for this club and I have nothing but praise for him. I don't want him to feel bitter towards us. I certainly don't feel bitter towards him," he said.
"One day he will realise that it's just sport and we will have a beer and smile about it.
"I pick on merit. Dan Cole was once third in line and I told him I would pick him when he was better than the other two - and I did."
