During an interview with France Football, Inter’s Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who is still not at full fitness and performing at his full potential, discussed a few aspects of his personal life and his life off of the football pitch.
The former Roma player began by discussing his image in the media: “I can tell you that I am a normal person and not a bad boy as many people like to label me. They do not understand what it is like to be a football or a public figure. I can walk in the worst neighborhoods and live in a normal way.”
“I can accept the special treatments that are given to football players, but it does not mean that I look for them. I shop at the supermarket, I can have a drink and smoke a cigarette with serenity. Even a football player can smoke, even if he does not have a ‘normal’ job.”
He then goes on to talk about his childhood and his upbringing stating that: “I’m very proud of where I came from even though it meant that I did not have an easy time because of my father. I gave him a second chance on my trip to Indonesia, but it did not go well. I do not deny my Indonesian roots, but I don’t really feel Indonesian.
“I was born in Antwerp but, as a football player, I consider myself Italian from both a technical and tactical point of view. I have many qualities but I do not excel at any one thing in particular. My playing style allows me to give everything I can to my teammates.”
Nainggolan continued talking about his family stating that: “in the start in Piacenza, I earned the minimum, €1000 per month. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for me and my family. I try to ensure that all of my family members had a good standard of living. I am inspired by my mother, who passed away few years ago. She was the most important person in my life. She did not have much but she sacrificed so much. Now I have a strong relationship with my twin sister, she is homosexual and happy, and that’s enough for me.”
He then answered whether or not he thinks footballers have a duty to act as an example: “If you knew the number of players who smoke! Why be hypocrites and hide yourself just because you smoke a cigarette? We must be true to ourselves and show that even a player can have a normal life.”
What part of you, other than the name and surname, is Indonesian?
“Not much, I have no denied my origins, but I haven’t grown up with that culture, even if you can physically see that I am Asian. I am proud of my origins, otherwise I would have changed my name. Parents remain parents, despite my difficult relationship with my father.”
Do you feel 100% Belgian?
“I feel like I am from Antwerp, a beautiful city with a great history. I come from Linkeroever, a neighborhood where residents and foreigners live together very well.”
Has your difficult upbringing affected your style of playing?
“Not necessarily. Each player has his own style, what I focus on is trying to improve myself, year after year, game after game, without setting limits.”
How did you first get into football?
“I was always playing in the park ever since I was four years old. It took a bit of luck though, being at the right place at the right time and taking advantage of the opportunities that come, but it also took sacrifices. At 17, I had to leave everything.”