Former Inter Milan midfielder Radja Nainggolan recently opened up about his time with the Nerazzurri in an interview with the Gurulandia podcast. The Belgian international shared insights into his decision to join Inter and his feelings about leaving Roma.
Nainggolan spoke positively about his first year at Inter under Luciano Spalletti, stating, “The first year with Spalletti went well, we achieved Champions League qualification. It wasn’t the Inter of today that wins the league with ease.” He described it as a “beautiful experience,” highlighting the team’s accomplishments during that period.
However, the midfielder’s journey took an unexpected turn when Spalletti was dismissed after his first season. Nainggolan explained, “I had chosen to go where I wanted because in Rome there was a director who wanted to sell me without telling me anything.” He admitted that he would have stayed at Roma had he known about the director’s impending departure.
Reflecting on his emotional state during the transition, Nainggolan confessed, “Perhaps my sadness was so great that my approach to Inter was maybe misunderstood.” He elaborated on the complexity of his feelings, saying, “I was happy to be there, but I was sadder about leaving Roma. There I was comfortable, very respected, I loved the place.”
The Belgian player also touched on his principled stance, stating, “Maybe someone else in my place would have said ‘I don’t care, I’ll stay anyway, why should I leave with three years left on my contract’: but I can’t pretend to get along with someone I don’t get along with.”
Nainggolan shared his childhood memories of Inter, recalling watching players like Ronaldo, Vieri, and Recoba, describing them as “players that stay with you.” He acknowledged Inter’s stature, saying, “It has always been a bigger club compared to Roma.”
In a surprising admission, Nainggolan revealed, “I would have never imagined going to Inter, then there was Spalletti who for me was the strongest coach I ever had: that’s why I chose it.” This statement underscores the significant influence Spalletti had on Nainggolan’s decision to join Inter Milan.
