Chelsea handed blow in pursuit of Serie A superstar

Chelsea handed blow in pursuit of Serie A superstar

Chelsea have dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan after the Belgian insisted he is happy in Italy.

The Blues have been chasing the Belgium international for a number of years and came close to signing him two seasons ago – however Nainggolan chose to remain with Roma.

Big money offers from China also came in the midfielder, and while he admits temptation, Nainggolan insisted he was happy with I Giallorossi.

And for the 30-year-old, that situation hasn’t changed, despite renewed interest from both continents in recent months.

“There was a little something, nothing serious,” Nainggolan told Il Temporegarding interest from China earlier this year.

“I’d be a liar if I said money didn’t interest me, I’m 30 … But the truth is that in the past I rejected important offers, two years ago I could have gone to Chelsea and earned more, but for me there is not only the economic aspect.

“Let me explain, one thing is to say: ‘I’m going to have a good time in China and get the money’. There are people willing to do anything, even to wash their clothes with their hands, just to go and get all that money.

“Another question is if I have to stay on the same level, is it better to change city and lifestyle so often? I don’t have this thought yet. I’m fine here and that’s it.”

Nainggolan has made 25 appearances in Serie A this season, with Roma third in the table, one point ahead of fourth-placed Inter Milan.