Radja Nainggolan was horrified to be involved in Federico Mattiello’s career-threatening injury during Chievo-Roma.
The two players both went into the tackle during the first half and Mattiello came off worse, the 19-year-old sustaining a double fracture to the tibia and fibula.
“At the moment of the challenge I actually wanted a free kick in my favour, then looking over at the Chievo bench I realised there was an injury,” Nainggolan told Sky Sport Italia.
Radja Nainggolan was horrified to be involved in Federico Mattiello’s career-threatening injury during Chievo-Roma.
The two players both went into the tackle during the first half and Mattiello came off worse, the 19-year-old sustaining a double fracture to the tibia and fibula.
“At the moment of the challenge I actually wanted a free kick in my favour, then looking over at the Chievo bench I realised there was an injury,” Nainggolan told Sky Sport Italia.
“I saw the footage after the game. My challenge was as tough as his, but his leg got stuck between mine as he fell. It’s a terrible shame, especially as he’s so young. I wish him all the best.
"I asked Chievo for his phone number so I can call him later."
It was the eighth draw in 10 games for Roma and Coach Rudi Garcia called it a “disconcerting” performance.
“We didn’t do enough to win it,” noted Nainggolan. “It was a bad performance, partly due to Chievo clamming up, but it was also a very negative showing from Roma.
“We study our opponents a great deal, but if we don’t pass the ball properly then everything becomes more difficult. We must roll our sleeves up and find the real Roma.
“We have to work on the small things and concentrate on those.”