AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has revealed why he chose not to join Chelsea a couple of seasons back.
Nainggolan joined AS Roma from Calgliari in 2014 and in these four seasons the Belgian International has made himself one of the most sought-after defenders in the Serie A. And when Antonio Conte took charge of Chelsea back in 2016, Nainggolan was rumoured to be the Italian’s top transfer target.
Speaking to Sport Voetbal Magazine, the 29-year-old said: “I could have gone to Chelsea and many other clubs, but starting something new when you are 28, 29, in a new culture, another lifestyle, that’s not for me,”
“I prefer to stay where I feel good. If money were my only motivation, I would have changed clubs many times and my salary would have grown, but my first priority is to live well.
“You need to live well and be happy playing where you are and I have both of those things here. Everything is perfect: my family is happy in Rome.
“There are lots of good restaurants and it’s a good place to go shopping. When friends or family come to visit, you can send them almost anywhere.
“I’m liked at the club and the supporters are behind me. I’ve given a lot on the field and I get a lot of respect for that.
“As a footballer, that’s one of the best things you can get. I grew up in Antwerp, but I became a man in Italy. As things stand, I can see myself living in Rome in later life.”
