A friend in trouble comes to your rescue without thinking. Radja Nainggolan will soon be introduced as a new player of the Italian second division club SPAL, which is coached by Daniele De Rossi.
The Italian has a long history with Nainggolan. Together they were on the field 140 times at AS Roma – only with Manolas was the ex-Red Devil more often between the lines.
De Rossi himself confirmed yesterday evening that his best friend will soon join SPAL. Only the medical tests can throw a spanner in the works, but normally Nainggolan signs a contract until the end of the season.
In case of promotion, the contract is automatically extended, although the midfielder seems to be in for a fight for retention. SPAL is only 14th in Serie B, a few points above the relegation zone.
However, De Rossi is convinced that Nainggolan will provide considerable added value. “He would be a top asset to the league,” said the Roma icon. “And since we are good friends, I will have no problems coaching Radja, although we must realize that he will need some time to get back to level.”
Since Antwerp broke Nainggolan’s contract at the end of December, the ex-Red Devil has maintained his condition on his own. Cagliari also asked whether the midfielder wanted to come to the club for a third time, but SPAL won the argument.
Chairman Joey Tacopino, who also knows Nainggolan from AS Roma, is already very enthusiastic. “For me, Radja is still a world class player. He will raise our level and help us achieve our goals.”
