Former president Thabo Mbeki has spoken of how he felt hurt by Judge Chris Nicolson's claims he abused his power during the corruption investigation into President Jacob Zuma.

He told the Sunday Independent newspaper he could not understand the ruling that led to him being recalled.

The interview was one of just a handful Mbeki?s given since being re-called.

Last month he told Eyewitness News about how the country learnt hard lessons during that political drama. But now his language is stronger and he seems more willing to speak directly about what actually happened.

Mbeki has been out of sight for much of the last year.