Former Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio issued a statement on Tuesday insisting there was “no training ground bust up” prior to his recent sacking.
“The players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers,” di Canio said.
The fiery Italian was sacked as Sunderland manager on September 22 after barely six months in charge with the club bottom of the Premier League table, having helped the north-east club stave off relegation last season.
“I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can,” he said.
“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.”
Ellis Short, Sunderland’s American owner, brought di Canio, well known in English football as a striker after spells at Sheffield on Wednesday and West Ham, to Wearside after calling time on Martin O’Neill’s stint in charge.
Di Canio’s only previous experience as manager was at lower league Swindon, where he oversaw their promotion into English football’s third tier.