Kevin Pietersen has described as 'character assissination', the way media protrayed him in the last one week, when his feud with the then coach Peter Moores hit newspapers headlines.
One national daily had even described Pietersen as "the most hated man in cricket".
A 'hurt' Pietersen, who resgined when ECB snubbed both him and Moores, said he did not expect that kind of treatement.
"I'm not angry with anybody, I'm just a bit let down by the character assassination which has happened since I got back in the country. I didn't think it was going to be this bad, especially before anyone had heard my side of the story. I didn't feel I had done anything wrong," he said.
Pietersen was very upset with the media, whom he accused of presenting things in wrong manner.
"It has been a really, really dark week but I am coming out the other end. It has been hard and horrible, and it has been hurtful and disappointing. What has been written and said has definitely hurt me.
"If people wanted to hurt me, they have achieved that. It has been disappointing because it has also hurt my family and friends. I know that I am not a bad bloke.
"Everybody likes to be liked. I know that I am liked and that I have been portrayed in another way. I also know that the media like to kick someone when they are down. I have seen it happen to a lot of people and unfortunately it has been me this week," he told SKY Sports.
Pietersen though expressed confidence that the resignation episode will not affect his game.
"I don't think I will tone things down. I have been going OK doing what I have done. On the cricket field I still believe in myself. I will do anything to win. I will always try my best and I will never give up.
"I have a never-say-die attitude. But a lot of what has happened this week has been really, really harsh. My whole life has been scrutinised," he said.
The former skipper, who has vowed to support new leader Andrew Staruss, also hoped he would not be barred from pursuing his own ideas when it comes to his batting.
"I am looking forward to the freedom I have when I get on a cricket field with a cricket bat in my hand. I wish I could do that now. It is now a case of me going out and doing my business, doing something I absolutely love, which is batting for England, and getting back on track," Pietersen said.
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