Royal Antwerp signing Radja Nainggolan: Cagliari abandoned me | OneFootball

Royal Antwerp signing Radja Nainggolan has hit out at Cagliari.

The former Inter Milan midfielder was expected to join Cagliari permanently after last season's loan, but signed for Antwerp this week.

“Cagliari were my priority, I gave up on a lot of money in order to choose that place, and yet…" Nainggolan told Unione Sarda newspaper.

“President Tommaso Giulini and director of sport Stefano Capozucca, after learning what I wanted, disappeared. They abandoned me."

The 33-year-old already had three stints in Sardinia, from 2010-14, then on loan in 2019-20 and again from January 2021.

“Cagliari increased their salary bill a year ago by seeking out big names, but then the resources ran dry and it wasn't possible for them to continue that approach.

“They betrayed me, I am very let down. I gave up on so much in order to wear the Cagliari jersey, but I saw they didn't really want to rely on me. They just assumed I'd come back anyway.

“I remained in contact with the staff throughout, my desire was clear and I have proved my love for Cagliari. Unfortunately, people forget quickly in football."