Radja Nainggolan: “I’d Have Liked To Work With Conte, Inter Have The New Me In Barella”

In a chat with Italian Twitch streamer RiberaRibell, Inter owned midfielder Radja Nainggolan spoke on a range of topics, including many relating to Inter.

He began the interview by recalling what was his most recent game for Inter, last year’s season finale against Empoli, in which Inter secured qualification for the Champions League.

“It was satisfying because I scored the last goal of the season that got us into the Champions League,” he explained in the interview.

“I felt a bit sorry to relegate Empoli though because they played excellent football and deserved Serie A but we had to do what we had to. It was a game with a lot of emotions.”

He was then asked what sacrifices he had to make to become a professional footballer.

“I have given up little in my life. Everyone has their own way of life. I have not always lived as a professional, I know that but on Sunday the most important thing is to fight for the team and we must be judged on what we give to the team then in life one can be quite free.”

Nainggolan then went on to speak on the manager who has had the greatest impact on his playing career.

“I have had many managers but the one I owe most of all is Luciano Spalletti, he changed my career. Stefano Pioli was also important, he gave me my chance in Serie B but Spalletti completed me.”

Next the former Belgian national team player spoke on what it was like to work under Antonio Conte for a short time at Inter before he was shipped out on loan to Cagliari.

“I would have liked to work with Conte. In the month with him, I saw his determination, his personality and how he wanted the team to play. I saw a great manager.”

He was then asked who he thinks is the player most similar to him in football at the moment.

“Inter already have him. Nicolo Barella has my style of play. He is bad ass, he runs and runs and fights. He scores a few goals and gives assists. He is like me six years ago, he is a very important player for the rest of the team.”

Nainggolan joined Inter in the Summer of 2018 in a player plus cash deal from fellow Serie A side Roma. The 32-year-old has made 36 appearances across all competitions for Inter, in which he has scored seven goals and provided three assists.