It was Paul Jessens who persuaded Nainggolan to come to Antwerp. “He’s an ambitious boss,” Nainggolan told Eleven Sports. “I didn’t know him personally yet. He said he wanted to win the championship with me. Immediately I got motivated to come here.”
“I wasn’t planning to leave Italy, but I was open to any offer. In the end, Antwerp got ahead and was very strong. As soon as they offered me a certain amount, I immediately signed up.”
What position would Nainggolan prefer to play in? “It doesn’t matter,” says the 33-year-old Belgian. “For defense or a little higher, that’s it for me.”
“Brian Briskey really has a good first impression. He set his expectations. He wanted me to show a good mentality because so many younger players look at me. So I have to become an example for the youngsters.”
Nainggolan was also asked about the big difference between Italian and Belgian football. “I think Serie A is very tactical. I think the work on tactics is less here because more individual qualities are counted here.”
“Antwerp is my city after all. I’ve always felt like Antwerp. First see how I like everyday life. Then I’ll see if I can continue living here.”
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