"I deserved to be there, as I'd just had one of my best seasons ever that year with Roma. I still don't understand why I wasn't in the squad for the World Cup, which we could have won. We ended up finishing third and I believe I could have made a difference."
"In a 23-man squad, how can you not find a place for a player who scored two goals in the Champions League semi-finals that year? I knew I deserved to be part of the group and that I could have contributed."
"Martinez probably didn't like that I was out clubbing, that I was drinking or that I was smoking. But I've always proved my level and commitment on the pitch. My private life has nothing to do with it."
Radja Nainggolan, a former Roma midfielder known for his outspoken nature, continues to express frustration about his exclusion from Belgium's 2018 World Cup squad under manager Roberto Martinez. Coming off one of his best seasons with Roma, where he scored two goals in the Champions League semi-finals, Nainggolan felt he deserved inclusion in the 23-man squad. He was never given an explanation by Martinez for the decision and speculates the manager may have disapproved of his lifestyle choices rather than his on-pitch performance. Nainggolan maintains his commitment and quality on the pitch were never in question, and he believes his presence could have helped Belgium win the tournament, as they finished third.
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