Radja Nainggolan: “I Hope Inter’s Nicolò Barella Has A Great Career”

Radja Nainggolan showered praise upon Nicolò Barella last night after the midfielders swapped clubs this summer.

Barella left Cagliari to join Inter for a likely fee of €45 million while Nainggolan moved in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

Nainggolan will be reunited with Antonio Conte’s side next weekend when the Rossoblu welcome them to the Sardegna Arena.

He told Sky Sport: “It’s inevitable people compare me and Barella. I left Inter and he arrived.

“Nicolò showed a lot here in Sardinia, he had some good seasons. I think he’s a level-headed guy and I hope he has a great career.”

Barella is expected to begin life at Inter on the bench on Monday, with Conte likely to pick Stefano Sensi for their first Serie A match at home to Lecce.

Asked about the prospect of playing the Nerazzurri in week two, Nainggolan added: “I’m not thinking about it. I live game by game.”