Radja Nainggolan talks Manchester United and Chelsea snubs as he reveals why he decided to stay at Roma this summer
Belgium international rejected interest to sign new contract and has also tipped Eden Hazard to win the Ballon d'Or
RADJA NAINGGOLAN has revealed why he snubbed Manchester United and Chelsea to stay at Roma this summer.
The Belgian midfielder had been on Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte’s shortlists for some time after demonstrating his impressive versatility last season.
Reports claim United and Chelsea were set to make big-money bids for Nainggolan, with Chelsea attempting to land him the year before as well.
But the 29-year-old eventually decided to stay put in Rome and showed he was serious by signing a lucrative new contract.
Nainggolan’s decision saw United eventually land Nemanja Matic, with Chelsea moving for Tiemoue Bakayoko.
But the ace insists he has no regrets over his choice, explaining that his family are settled in the Italian capital and it made no sense to risk that for a bit more money.
Nainggolan told CNN Sports: “Roma was the best choice for me and my family, I’m happy here.
“I am 29 years old and I thought well of what to do and what was best. And what was best and best for me and my family was to stay in Rome.
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“It’s not just a matter of money. I have so many ambitions but I think that you must first be happy and live well and I’m happy to play here.”
Nainggolan has also tipped compatriot Eden Hazard to win the Ballon d’Or – but believes the winger must add goals to his game to compete with the world’s best.
Nainggolan added: “I think he has the capacity to win it because, for me, he is a very talented player, a very good player and a decisive player.
“He make a difference on the pitch, but the only difference between him and, let’s say, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, is that they score much more than him.
“So I think that is the most important thing. It’s the only difference between them, because for me Hazard is, let’s say, in the world’s top five.”
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