Nainggolan on new contract: 'This is what I always wanted'

Radja Nainggolan has expressed his delight at signing a new long-term contract with Roma, achieving a long-held ambition of his in the process.

The Belgian midfielder, 29, has committed his future to the Giallorossi for the next four years - cementing his status as one of the cornerstones of the squad in the process.

After signing his deal alongside club president Jim Pallotta in Boston, Nainggolan sat down with Roma TV to discuss his emotions - and the aims for his next four years with the club.

Finally the long-awaited renewal – especially for the fans – that confirms your future with Roma. What is your initial reaction – and is this the most important contract of your career?

Radja: “Yes, I think this was always an important aim for me. I think I showed that this was something I always wanted. I’m happy. Last year we had a few chats about this renewal, but once we really began talking properly we were able to agree things quickly – and I’m happy about that.”

Are you aware that for Roma, for the team and the fans, you are a cornerstone of the group? Was that another reason for your decision to renew?

“It’s not just that, for me it’s also important to live well, to feel comfortable. I’m good, I’m happy where I am: I am 29 years old and doing a three-year stint somewhere else was really not something I was contemplating. So I’m happy, especially because of the agreement we have found together and that we can now go forward together."

What do you think about the strength of this Roma side? Is there the feeling that the group is going in a promising direction?

“For a few years now we have always been building a strong team: players have come and gone, but those are all matters for the staff. I can only talk about what I see on the field, which is that we have always had a competitive squad.

“I think that the two games so far this year have demonstrated that we are good team and we are already working well. We need to be confident and begin the championship hoping and aiming for the best.”

You are your other international teammates joined the group in the United States: what were your first observations about the new coach when you reunited with the group?

“I’ve had a good impression of the coach and his staff. They are always available, and also all of us players are always ready and willing to work. The coach is very clear about his ideas, so us players have to be ready and determined to learn what he wants. Obviously it’s not an easy thing to change to a new way of working, for me it’s returning a bit to a role I did three or four years ago.

“I have to adapt a bit once again, but I don’t think that will be a problem. I want to do well, as does the rest of the squad.”

The spirit in the group is always good, but the feeling this year is that it’s a really great atmosphere on the pitch…

“Yes, it’s always been good: last year, this year, three years ago. I have always found it to be a united group and this year, when I returned, I found the same thing. For the players it’s very important to be part of squad where everyone is looking to help everyone else.”

What is the importance of the International Champions Cup? What are you looking for in this period?

“As far as the games go, it’s always good to get results. This year is a bit better compared to previous experiences, because we are not travelling every few days – we are based in one place and travelling for the games. It’s quite similar to what we do during the season, so I think it’s a better formula than we’ve perhaps had in previous tours.

“In the games we have come up against strong sides, us players like to test ourselves against strong opponents and we’ve had the chance to demonstrate we are a strong side.”

What are your first impressions of the new signings? The other night we saw Cengiz for the first time…

“The new guys have shown their worth, they will give their contribution and make things difficult for the coach and the players already here. It’s great to have competition, it means everyone concentrates more and the desire is greater – which means everyone gets better. I’ve seen that the Turkish kid has personality and a lot of technical quality, obviously he can develop physically and then we will really see the talent he has. But he has made a good impression.”

Roma-Juve for you is not a friendly, right?

“We are just getting ready for the campaign, but it’s a game that I always have a passion for. This is something that began many years ago. But I am always a sporting guy, and when a team is strong I will say it: and they are a strong team. There are always the jokes and the games and taunts, but these are all part of the game.”

What do you feel the fans should be thinking, should they be hopeful and confident that we will be a competitive team next year?

“I hope to find the stadium like it was for the last game of last season [against Genoa]. We need a boost and I think that, like for all the other teams, you can do better with a huge home crowd behind you. Once the real support returns to the stadium regularly, I think it will be very difficult for many teams to take any points off us.”