'I should be in Belgium squad'

By Football Italia staff

Radja Nainggolan believes that playing for Cagliari may be standing in his way of getting a Belgium call up.

The 25-year-old has played just five times for the Belgians, and took no part in World Cup qualifying.

And the midfielder has admitted that playing for the Isolani could be counting against him.

“I am a little disappointed [not to be involved in the national team],” he told Gazet van Antwerpen.

“I hope the Coach will follow my performances and perhaps give me a chance in the next friendlies.

“I am not giving up hope. I will fight to get into the team 100 per cent. The national team is full of champions, but I think I deserve my place – maybe not as a starter but in the 23.

“Look at Kevin De Bruyne, he is sitting in the stands at Chelsea but is part of the national team. I have nothing against Kevin – that is just an example. Kevin is a winner and has done a great job.

“But it seems silly to me that you should be called up just because you play for a big club.

“If I’d have signed for Inter, people would have started talking about me for Belgium – but I’m exactly that same player at Cagliari.”

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