Robbie Williams explains why he gave the middle finger during World Cup opening ceremony

Musician Robbie Williams has explained what he meant with his middle finger gesture during his performance at the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony.

The singer was performing a number of his hits at the football tournament in Moscow last week when he was seen raising his middle finger to the camera and audience.

Earlier today, the 44-year-old singer appeared on This Morning alongside host Phillip Schofield to address his performance saying, "At these things, it’s really important not to cause an international incident. And do you know what? I managed it."

Williams went onto explain that his divisive gesture was meant to signal a "one minute to kick-off."

"I was under a lot of pressure because there was one minute left and I didn’t know how I was going to do it in half a minute," he said. "So I just did a one-minute countdown."

He added: "I can’t trust me. I don’t know what I’m going to do at any time. There was no sort of plan. The plan was to sing in key, don’t fall over."

Williams continued saying that his performance was unpredictable: "Nothing actually pops into my head. There’s a block between me and sense, and then something happens and five minutes later I’m like, ‘Did I just… yeah I did, didn’t I?!'"

Schofield prodded at Williams' comments asking him why he claims to want to join The X Factor - a live TV show - when his actions are so spontaneous.

"If there is an X Factor in my future, whether it be this year or next year or never, I’m scared for my own safety and health, but not because of the people out there, the public, Twitter or Instagram - but my wife," the musician explained. "She is an A+ student from Beverly Hills, incredibly square, and is like ‘why would you do that?'"

It has been reported that Williams may be joining The X Factor alongside his wife Ayda Field, but has not admitted he'll be joining the show, despite having conversations with Simon Cowell.

"People are talking, but there's nothing signed," he said. "But watch this space. I promise you if it is a go ahead and we do it, you will be the first people I come and speak to about it. It’s a yes from me."