Nainggolan Not Called Up For International Duty

One of the best central midfielders in the world – Radja Nainggolan hasn’t been called up for the Belgian national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The manager of the team – Roberto Martinez has said that the reason is that Nainggolan is a smoker.

The midfielder has shown an incredible performance this season, as he has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Roma. Radja Nainggolan was incredible at the European Championship last year, helping his nation reach the quarter finals. However, the former coach of Belgium, Marc Wilmots, had no problems with Nainggolan’s bad habit. Moreover, Wilmots has always booked a room with a balcony, so Nainggolan could smoke on a fresh air.

Radja Nainggolan has scored 6 goals in 26 matches for the Belgian national team. He has been a part of the team since 2009, but now his future with the national team is threatened because of his bad habit. The midfielder has been an integral part of the team of AS Roma since 2014, having spent 4 seasons with The Wolves.

“That’s really strange. I have always been smoking and I have never hidden it. Everybody knows! I understand that this is not a good example, but as a football player I do my job on the pitch. I feel offended not to be in the squad after the strong performance I made at The European Championship last year. I am a very direct person and I can’t hide my disappointment from that decision,” Radja Nainggolan said in an interview.

At both ends, when Radja Nainggolan is on the pitch it’s insensibly that he is a smoker, because he is tireless, running all over the field. He is one of the most hardworking midfielders and Roberto Martinez’ excuse for not calling him up is maybe not the real reason for this action.