The 31-year-old and team-mate Gianluca Grava were banned for failing to report a potential fix to the authorities, but all sanctions were removed a mere month later on appeal.

"I put up with far too much over the last few months," he told Radio Marte.

"The important thing is that it was resolved. I honestly didn't think this could happen to me. I shouted and nobody listened, the authorities ought to reconsider the rules.

"Gianluca and I emerged clean from this situation, as did the club. That is our greatest satisfaction. It could have been a huge blemish on our careers as well as a great injustice.

"I was at home when the appeal verdict came in and when I got the phone call I burst into tears of joy. I never considered a plea bargain, as I was not guilty and couldn't admit to something that hadn't happened."

Napoli also received a two-point penalty in the scandal, which was later revoked.