Radja Nainggolan discusses Roma years, Totti and Spalletti

Former Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan was once again asked about his years with the Giallorossi which saw the Belgian international play as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world.

In a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, Nainggolan recounted his experience of playing with Francesco Totti and ex-manager Luciano Spalletti.


“Nature gave me a gift: I have a physique that has never been affected by the bullshit I’ve done over the course of my life,” said Nainggolan, referring to his infamous nights of partying and heavy drinking.

“Of course at 20 you go out every night, now maybe I do two or three evenings per week, if I feel like it. But I’m not giving up on living. I can also drink a little in the evening, the important thing and then go on the pitch and play my heart out.”

“The media often said that I created problems in the locker room, but from Piacenza to Cagliari, Roma and Inter I had good relations with everyone. There’s still plenty of teammates who are in touch with me to this day.”

“Totti? I love Francesco. We were happy together.”

“Spalletti? In Rome I did very well with him, I played much less at Inter but I still scored 6 goals in 29 games. He always said things to my face.”

“Roma or Inter? My heart will always say Roma.”