Former Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has recounted his decision to snub a transfer to Chelsea. He believes that his loyalty to the Italian club went unrecognised in the end.
The Belgian donned the colours of Roma from 2014 to 2018, during which time Chelsea, managed by Antonio Conte, came calling.
Nainggolan admitted that his strong attachment to the club kept him in the Italian capital.
I have played for only a few clubs. My career started slowly in Serie B, then I owe so much to Cagliari, and my first chance in Serie A came with Roma — a club I would never leave.
My personality is what it is. I despise lies and fake people, and when something contradicts my values, I walk away. I turned down offers from Chelsea and China to stay.
Previously, Nainggolan clarified the financial details that derailed the potential transfer. He revealed that the Blues were surprised by his salary in Rome.
Antonio Conte was then the coach of the Blues and wanted to bring me to England. However, they were shocked when they found out how much I was making in Rome.
In the end, they offered €750,000 more, but I didn't want to move to England for that amount. That's why the transfer fell through.
In 2018, Nainggolan eventually left Roma for Inter Milan, though his time at the San Siro did not yield the same success.
