Radja Nainggolan reflected on his time at Roma, the current issues plaguing Juventus and his plans for the future.
The Belgian midfielder spent almost all of his career in Italy, joining Piacenza as a teenager in 2004 and spending time with Cagliari, Roma and Inter. During his four years in the Italian capital, Nainggolan became a fan favourite for his hard work on the pitch and eccentricity off it.
Speaking to Tradizione Romanista, Nainggolan first discussed the idea of returning to Roma and what the club meant to him.
“Now I am too old to return to Roma. I still have a home in Rome though, I could go back and live there. Rome was the place, football-wise, where I felt loved and respected.
“Even for the things that happened off the pitch. In Rome, little importance was given to that. Only what I gave on the pitch mattered, and that pushed me to give more and more.”
He looked back at the Roma teams he played in and what they could’ve accomplished.
“We have always had very strong teams, but so were Juventus. With today’s Juventus we would always have won the Scudetto, instead we always finished second. There was so much quality.
“Strootman before his injury was very strong, maybe the best on the team. De Rossi was an example of quality and he transmitted Romanism to you. Up front was Totti, who had infinite class. The only flaw was not winning anything.”
The 35-year-old commented on what the future holds for him.
“I don’t know. I have too many eyes on me in Belgium. I’m moving forward as I always have, I can still give so much.”
Nainggolan gave his thoughts on Roma talent Nicolo Zaniolo.
“He’s strong but I don’t know him, now he’s doing well and he’s on a roll again. He is an important player and still has a lot to give.”
He revealed that he still keeps in touch with Walter Sabatini.
“We spoke again a little while ago. He was one of the best directors I had, he understands football. Then came the other one who ruined the team.
“He sold all the players. I can’t even name him. If I had known he would leave shortly after that, I would have stayed.”
Finally, Nainggolan spoke about Juventus and their current legal issues.
“I don’t know what the truth is. Juventus are a club that has to be in Serie A because they give you competitiveness. My goal has always been to beat them. Things from the past don’t affect me, it’s always nice to meet them.”
During his time in the Italian capital, Nainggolan scored 33 goals and provided 28 assists in 203 appearances across all competitions.