I had to struggle for a Belgium call-up. I reckon other players were shown the red carpet compared to me' Radja Nainggolan on the challenges he faced breaking into the national team

"I guess I'm a child of modern Belgium, of modern Europe, Nainggolan tells FourFourTwo, And that's probably why I've always so easily adapted in any place that I've lived. I come from a multicultural environment and I had to manage every situation since I was a kid. I remember I was always playing with my twin sister and following my older brother, and that's also set up a vision of equality for me."

"I had the opportunity to go to Italy and couldn't let it pass, he continues. I arrived in Piacenza and didn't know a word of Italian, but I soon adapted. My nature helped me a lot when getting used to the culture and the people. Now Italy is my second home, and I'll live there again after I've retired from playing."

Radja Nainggolan built a reputation as a snarling, swaggering midfielder and a long-term fan favourite, making over 200 appearances for Roma and two seasons at Inter Milan. Born in Belgium to an Indonesian immigrant, he credits a multicultural upbringing for his adaptability. He left Belgium at 17 to join Piacenza in Italy and learned Italian while integrating into local culture. He earned 30 caps for Belgium despite strong club form. He describes being self-taught, valuing equality shaped by family experiences, maintaining study habits, and planning to live in Italy after retirement.

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