Nainggolan: 'I love a Cagliari challenge'

By Football Italia staff

Radja Nainggolan confirms he turned down Sampdoria and Fiorentina for a return to Cagliari, a decision “made easier by my wife’s health problems.”

The Belgium international made the surprising step back to Sardinia on loan from Inter after he was told that there was no room for him in Antonio Conte’s team.

“I had also been called by (Sampdoria Coach Eusebio) Di Francesco and (Fiorentina boss Vincenzo) Montella, but (Cagliari President Tommaso) Giulini had already said a year ago that one day I’d return to end my career at Cagliari,” Ninja told the Corriere dello Sport.

“It was my choice to come this season. Admittedly, that decision was made easier by my wife’s health problems. She’s close to her family now, her parents, her oldest friends, and that is good for her.

“This is a difficult situation, but she is fighting hard. Maybe she feels weaker for a day or two, but then gets right back on track. When she was diagnosed with cancer, I immediately thought of our two daughters.

“I already experienced this illness with my mother, but fortunately we managed to get Claudia operated on immediately. The other thing I am fortunate with is that I play football and that helps clear my mind.

“The oldest, seven-year-old Aysha, doesn’t know the exact problem, but can tell her Mum isn’t well. So she tries to distract her in every way.”

Bologna Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is also currently undergoing chemotherapy after he was diagnosed with leukaemia six weeks ago, making his return to the bench against Verona.

“It really struck me, seeing him like that, but it proved what he’s made of and what kind of a man he is.”

His wife’s illness isn’t the only reason that Nainggolan chose a return to Cagliari after Antonio Conte told him to leave Inter.

“This is the Centenary of Cagliari’s foundation, the 50th anniversary of their Scudetto, and Giulini wanted to build a great team. I owe a lot to this club and city, remained in contact with old friends and you can tell Giulini wants Cagliari to be ambitious and visible on an international stage.

“My agent knew about the Sampdoria and Fiorentina offers, but when I make a decision, I won’t listen to anyone. I love a challenge and returning to Cagliari is a great challenge.”

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