Former Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso claims 'I can't see women in football' after appointment of Barbara Berlusconi at AC Milan

The 35-year-old was speaking to an Italian radio station when he made the remark

Former Italian midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has claimed he 'can't see a place for women in football'. (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso has left himself open to scrutiny after claiming he does not see a place ion football for women.

Gattuso, who spent the bulk of an 18-year career with AC Milan but also had spells with Rangers, Salernitana and Sion, has made the claim after his former club’s chief executive Adriano Galliani agreed to share his role with Barbara Berlusconi, the daughter of club president and ex-Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Speaking to Italian radio station Radio Radio as reported by Reuters, Gattuso said: “For someone like Galliani there should be more respect.

“I can't really see women in football. I don't like to say it but that's how it is.”

Gattuso won 73 caps for his country, and he was an integral part of the triumphant 2006 World Cup squad who defeated France in the final prompting him to famously take on his shorts and run around the pitch in celebration, until officials forced him to cover up.

He has since gone into management, having been sacked twice this year from separate posts at Sion and Palermo.