Radja Nainggolan looked back at his hot-and-cold relationship with Antonio Conte at Inter and admitted he ‘would’ve stayed’ with Roma had things turned out differently.
The 35-year-old Belgian midfielder, who is currently a free agent, spent 11 years of his career in Serie A from 2010 to 2021, spending time with Cagliari, the Giallorossi and the Nerazzurri.
A divisive player, Nainggolan was loved by many supporters for his passion and ability to come up with magic moments, but his controversial behaviour off the pitch continued to follow him throughout his career.
Speaking on the YouTube channel Controcalcio, Nainggolan first gave his thoughts on Romelu Lukaku following the striker’s turbulent summer.
“He has a winning and important mentality, a strong character. Because of his characteristics he can give a shake to many youngsters who weren’t at their best. I’m curious to see Roma from now on.
“In the past he has always scored a lot of goals, it’s no coincidence that he is the all-time scorer of the Belgian national team.
“Inter won the Scudetto with him, it depends on him, if he scores 30 goals other scenarios open up for him. I hope he does well, he is a guy who has worked hard to get where he is today.”
The 35-year-old discussed his plans for the future.
“I’m fine, I still want to play because I still feel strong. As long as my body holds up. Only for now no one wants me!”
He remembered his time working under Luciano Spalletti and Conte.
“I had more fun with Spalletti than with anyone else, Conte was also good. At Inter I was no longer part of Conte’s project, he was clear with me, but he remains a great coach.
“At Chelsea, he wanted me at all costs, then I went to Inter and he rejected me.”
Nainggolan reflected on his departure from Roma.
“I only regretted leaving because there was a director (Monchi, ed.) who did everything he could to sell me, that’s why I decided to leave.
“But if I had known he would leave after six months, I would have stayed. Unfortunately, that’s how I am, I can’t stay with someone who doesn’t want me.”
Finally, Nainggolan weighed in on the Serie A title race this season.
“I see Inter as favourites again this year, they were favourites last year too because there are few squads like them as a team. I don’t see Juve as bad, then I see a very strong Milan.”
During his time in Italy, Nainggolan made 367 appearances in Serie A for Cagliari, Roma and Inter. In that time, he scored 48 goals and provided 35 assists.
Would love to see him at the same club with Lukaku, Balotelli, Zaniolo & Greenwood.
And Mou as the coach.
It’s for sure AS. Roma needs him!and he still loves the club and the tifosi. He still have the Power, Grinta and even more important a lot of Experience. Besides he is in very good condition, he is training very hard and looses weight. He looks stronger and younger more then ever!!
“………if he scores 30 goals other scenarios open up for him” About Lukkaka?
Dream on !
@Omar , stick to playstation and Panini stickers!