Radja Nainggolan discussed Roma regrets, comparisons with his Inter replacement Nicolò Barella and how he’s changed since his first Cagliari stint.
The Belgian is right back where he started, returning to Sardinia on loan after leaving in January 2014.
“I have a lot more experience, a few important campaigns, I am back here and hope to give my contribution to Cagliari,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.
Curiously, Nainggolan swapped places with Italy international Barella, who joined Inter for €40m.
Radja Nainggolan discussed Roma regrets, comparisons with his Inter replacement Nicolò Barella and how he’s changed since his first Cagliari stint.
The Belgian is right back where he started, returning to Sardinia on loan after leaving in January 2014.
“I have a lot more experience, a few important campaigns, I am back here and hope to give my contribution to Cagliari,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.
Curiously, Nainggolan swapped places with Italy international Barella, who joined Inter for €40m.
“It’s inevitable there would be comparisons, seeing as he arrived and I joined his old club. Barella had some good seasons here, he is still young and seems to have a good head on his shoulders, so I wish him a great career.”
Among the reasons for this move to Cagliari was a very personal issue, as Nainggolan’s wife is from Sardinia and wanted to be closer to her family after a cancer diagnosis.
“I am calm and relaxed. Football has always been a good distraction in my life, in general, as training and playing can change my mood and my thoughts.”
His career seemed to take a turning point after director of sport Monchi sold him to Inter for €38m and Nicolò Zaniolo, ending four years at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I have a few regrets, as I ‘separated’ from Roma and that was a tough blow for me. I am sure that I was to blame too, but it was more than anything else a decision made by someone who is no longer there. I could even have stayed…
“Those are choices that you make in those moments and they can only become a futile regret that changes nothing.
“I am happy with my career and my decisions, but I hope to achieve even more satisfying moments, because I am still hungry.”