Radja Nainggolan admitted last night it would have been pointless to stay at Inter without playing all season.

The midfielder returned to Cagliari on a season-long loan earlier this month and made his second debut for the club in a 1-0 defeat against Brescia.

Nainggolan wished the Nerazzurri well for this season but said he would be out to beat them when Antonio Conte’s side visit the Sardegna Arena on Sunday.

“I started the summer very motivated but myself and Mauro Icardi were removed from the squad,” he told Sky Sport.

“Inter spoke to me before preseason started and were very clear with me. They said I wasn’t part of their plans.

“I remained professional as long as I was there, always making myself available, but staying there and having to do everything apart wasn’t for me. The club helped me find a new destination.

“Deep down I was convinced I’d get another chance, but I was always cast aside when it came to playing the friendlies. Things don’t always go how you’d hope.”

Nainggolan admitted Icardi had adopted a different strategy to him by opting to stay in Milan, but the Ninja did not wish to criticise his former teammate.

He added: “I went to China convinced I could change the situation, but when you see the facts you understand you need to take certain decisions. Unlike Mauro I wanted to make those decisions.

“He’s a striker who’s scored a lot of goals in Serie A and proved himself to be a great player. I wish him the best whatever happens.

“I’m not an agent so I don’t know what will happen, but if he stays at Inter I hope he gets game time.”