Nainggolan has long been admired by Antonio Conte, even when he was in charge of Juve (Getty)

Radja Nainggolan insists he never seriously considered leaving Roma to join Chelsea despite significant interest from the Premier League champions this summer.

The Belgian was believed to be top of Antonio Conte’s wish list of potential midfield recruits, though the club ultimately ended up signing Danny Drinkwater from Leicester City on deadline day.

He did finally make it to Stamford Bridge when Roma took on Chelsea in the Champions League, securing a 3-3 draw, and afterwards spoke of his desire to play in the Premier League.

But prior to Chelsea’s trip to Rome on Tuesday evening, Nainggolan changed that stance somewhat and insisted he is only concentrating on playing for Roma.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he said: ‘I made my choice and I’ve never even thought of being somewhere else.

Nainggolan helped Chelsea pick up a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)

‘I’m focused here, as I always have been.

‘The question [of regretting not being a Chelsea player] makes no sense.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVzbPQEjX17/?taken-by=radjanainggolan.4

‘Whether it’s against Chelsea or any other big team, each player gets motivated for games like these.’

Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco has confirmed that Nainggolan will start against Chelsea on Tuesday, though the rest of his side is up in the air as he juggles a number of injuries.

Nainggolan was a top midfield target for Chelsea, but they signed Bakayoko and Drinkwater instead (Getty)

He explained: ‘I could even play with the same team I picked for Bologna except Radja, who will start and is the only one I’m confirming.

‘I will field the team I feel is most likely to get a result against Chelsea.’