Nainggolan Retires From International Duty After World Cup Heartbreak

AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has announced his retirement from the Belgium national team after he was left out of the 28-man squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Nainggolan, 30, was left out by manager Roberto Martinez and the former Everton and Wigan Athletic boss gave the reason for an influential player who helped Roma to a 3rd place league finish and semifinal of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

He said: “Radja Nainggolan is a top player. The reason is tactical.”

“In the past two years the team has worked in a specific manner. Other players had those roles.

“We know Radja has a very important role in his club and we cannot give him that role in our squad.” he added.

Nainggolan, however, responded by quiting international football via social media website Instagram. His post was as follows: “Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end.”

“I’ve always done everything I could to represent my country.” he added.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Matz Sels, Koen Casteels

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Leander Dendoncker, Laurent Ciman, Christian Kabasele, Vincent Kompany, Jordan Lukaku, Thomas Meunier, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen

Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Dries Mertens, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku