Favor of Juventus No One Wants – Nainggolan Claims Refereeing Bias in Favor of Juventus: ‘No One Wants to Say It’

Radja Nainggolan once again showcased his straightforward character in an extensive interview with the betting house Sportium, not holding back his criticism of Juventus, the VAR system, and even Paul Pogba. The Belgian, who throughout his career turned down the opportunity to join Juventus, explained his reluctance to move to the ‘vecchia signora.’ “When I play Football Manager, I never choose the strongest team. When a club like Roma wins a title, it’s a celebration for the next twenty years. At Juventus, you are obliged to win every year; the feeling is completely different,” said the Belgian, who played four and a half years at Roma. Nainggolan then addressed more controversial topics, referring to his personal experience with alleged refereeing favors for Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. “When Juventus’ stadium was inaugurated, I played there with Cagliari, and we drew 1-1 thanks to a non-existent penalty awarded to Juventus. Then I went to Roma; in my first game at the same stadium, we lost 2-3 with two penalties that were called outside the area. Everyone saw it. This is the truth, but not everyone dares to say it.” Regarding VAR, the current player for Patro Eisden in the Belgian second division was adamant, arguing that it should… end. “Football should be like it was before,” he stated. “If mistakes continue to be made with VAR, then it is fair to remove it and simply let referees make mistakes naturally. True football is something else.” Not known for his modesty, Nainggolan placed himself among the best midfielders of his era in Serie A. “In my era, only Arturo Vidal and Daniele De Rossi were as strong as I was,” he claimed, before being asked about Pogba’s level, whom he faced when the Frenchman represented Juventus. “Pogba? I was better than him; he only had three good years in his entire career.” Already contemplating his next step, Nainggolan revealed that he is considering obtaining a coaching license. “Seeing the quality of the coaches that exist,” he said with his typical confidence, “I think I could be a coach.”

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