Cagliari owner Tommaso Giulini tonight dismissed reports they would move for Radja Nainggolan as ‘fantacalcio’ (fantasy football).
Various newspapers linked the Ninja with a return to Sardinia last week, suggesting he was open to a loan move this season.
Giulini reminded reporters Nainggolan was an Inter player before assuring there was no truth in the rumours.
“I don’t think Nainggolan would find a more welcoming place than Cagliari if he left Inter for another Italian club,” he told Sky Sport.
“But at the moment it’s all fantasy talk. I need to ensure this club remains intact even after its centenary year (this year), so I can’t bite off more than we can chew.
“Cagliari would be super suited to Nainggolan because he has always remained very attached to the club, but it seems extremely difficult to me.
“We’ve already spent €33 million to sign Marko Rog and Nahitan Nandez, which is crazy money for Cagliari. I can’t envisage a third crazy buy.”
Giulini’s Cagliari will be pitted against their former midfielder Nicolo Barella on the second weekend of the new season, when Antonio Conte’s Inter visit the Sardegna Arena.
He assured it would be ‘very strange’ to play the Italy international as an opponent, before revealing a curious background story about last summer’s transfer window.
“Barella had an incredible offer from Atletico Madrid last year but he decided to stay at Cagliari without any fuss,” Giulini added.
“I really hope he gets a warm welcome from our supporters because he really deserves it. I can’t not speak highly of Nicolo.
“He conducted himself well during our negotiations with Inter because he always sought to protect Cagliari, along with his agent.”
