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Football

26th Jun 2018

Radja Nainggolan completes move to Inter Milan as part of swap deal

An exceptional piece of business by Inter Milan

Reuben Pinder

Inter have let a young prospect go to Roma as part of the deal

Radja Nainggolan has completed his transfer to Inter Milan, signing from Roma for a fee of just £21m. Inter full-back Davide Santon and young midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo will go the other way as part of the deal.

Nainggolan has joined the San Siro side on a four year contract, with his salary rumoured to be in the region of €4.5m per year.

The Belgian was one of Roma’s most important players last season, impressing in a more advanced midfield role under Eusebio Di Francesco. He will now reunite with Luciano Spalletti, who coached Nainggolan at Roma before making the move north in 2017.

Speaking to Inter TV, the midfielder said:

“I did not expect such a warm welcome. I am happy. It will now be down to me to earn yet more applause.

“Affection from the fans is important for any player and it means that they’re enthusiastic, just like I am. I hope that we can now enjoy more happy times together.

“Spalletti? My best season was with him and I now hope that I can do just as well. I am at the coach’s disposal and I am pleased to be back working with him.

“Why did I choose Inter? Confidence is key and I received calls from [important figures]. They all made me feel important and my decision was simple. I am ready to go ahead with this new adventure.”

Both Inter and Roma qualified for next season’s Champions League, after Inter pipped Roma’s arch rivals Lazio to fourth place on the final day of the season.