Cagliari star Radja Nainggolan has “no regrets” in his career, insisting the partying is just “part of who I am. Nobody can ever say I didn’t give my all in my work.”
The Belgium international has often seen coaches, clubs and even his country turn on him, citing off the field antics, irresponsibility and a penchant for parties.
Cagliari star Radja Nainggolan has “no regrets” in his career, insisting the partying is just “part of who I am. Nobody can ever say I didn’t give my all in my work.”
The Belgium international has often seen coaches, clubs and even his country turn on him, citing off the field antics, irresponsibility and a penchant for parties.
“My weakness is that I like to go out drinking with my friends or go out dancing, stay out a bit late, but only every now and then. Sometimes I just like staying at home. I take it day by day” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine SportWeek.
“I can say proudly that I always did what I needed to do and gave my all on the pitch. The determination, hunger and even anger I put into my football is what makes people appreciate me representing their team. I like that they call me a warrior.
“I have no regrets. I know I did some things wrong off the field, and I am well aware that I haven’t always been responsible in my private life, but that’s part of who I am. Nobody can ever say I didn’t give my all in my work. That is my greatest satisfaction.”
A return to Sardinia on loan from Inter was partly a professional choice, partly a personal one, as wife Claudia was diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment.
“It is a difficult time, but Claudia has so much courage, she is trying to disguise her emotions and, above all for the kids, be the same as always. If I returned to Cagliari, it was also for her. She has her parents here, her friends, the places she loves. It helps her to face the situation in a different way.”
Nainggolan was asked if he prays for his wife’s recovery, but gave an unexpected response.
“If anything, I believe in God even less now. My mother died young of cancer, now this…”
Who does Radja feel he owes an apology to?
“My wife. I know it’s not easy to live with me and I haven’t always been a saint.”