Radja Nainggolan confessed the Champions League quarter-finals with Roma was “a dream” and explained their approach to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Edin Dzeko got the only goal on the night, so with a 2-1 defeat in Ukraine, they went through on away goals.
“We worked hard, gave our all and many lads were dreaming of this moment, including me.
Radja Nainggolan confessed the Champions League quarter-finals with Roma was “a dream” and explained their approach to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Edin Dzeko got the only goal on the night, so with a 2-1 defeat in Ukraine, they went through on away goals.
“We worked hard, gave our all and many lads were dreaming of this moment, including me. It’s my first Champions League quarter-final, so it’s a euphoric moment,” the midfielder told Mediaset Premium.
“Sevilla knocked Manchester United out, so they are not to be underestimated either. Anyone we face at this time is going to be very difficult indeed. Whoever we pick in the draw will be the same.
“We wanted to push Shakhtar high, but they have so much quality and we knew it was crucial not to concede an away goal, so we went a bit too deep at times and were afraid they’d hit us on the counter.
“We took our chance to get the decisive goal and then defended all together.”
The Giallorossi have done so well in the Champions League, but in Serie A are battling for a top four finish.
“Roma started the season well, there was a period when things weren’t going at their best and we could’ve done better in Serie A, but I feel we’ve had this black-out in every season and need to improve that.”
The Giallorossi have played four home games in the Champions League this season against Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Qarabag and Shakhtar Donetsk without conceding.
“Just qualifying is a great achievement for everyone and the motivation comes by itself. We’ve taken our chances and will see how it goes.
“It was a wonderful atmosphere, enjoyed both by us and the fans, so now we want to go forward together.”