Radja Nainggolan reveals regret over choosing to represent Belgium's national team instead of Indonesia.

Age cannot be rewound, just like decisions made in the past. As his career winds down, Radja Nainggolan, the former Inter Milan midfielder of Batak descent, finally admits something he might never have thought of before. Regret for choosing to represent the Belgian national team, not Indonesia.

In a podcast with Junior Vertongen, the 37-year-old player spoke candidly. He compared his experience representing Belgium with what he now sees from players of Indonesian descent strengthening the Indonesian National Team.

Nainggolan was indeed part of Belgium's golden generation, alongside names like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku. However, behind the glitter of that squad, there is an unresolved feeling of disappointment.

Nainggolan admits that while playing for Belgium under Roberto Martinez's guidance, he never felt genuinely given the space to contribute. In an honest tone, he called the coach a figure who failed to maximize the potential of the best squad Belgium ever had.

"I didn't have enough impact for what I should have given, I know that. But that's not only because of my choices," said Nainggolan.

"Martinez scratched me without reason, if there was a reason it's still nonsense to me. In my opinion, he's not a football expert."

"He's a very bad coach. He never dropped me because he didn't want me in the first place," he continued.

Those words illustrate how deep the wound left from that time was. For him, Martinez not only failed to make Belgium champions but also failed to provide fairness to players who actually had the quality to perform on the big stage.

Looking Towards Indonesia

Amidst his career reflection, Nainggolan touches on something far more personal: origins and identity. He now regrets never trying to wear the red and white jersey and playing for his ancestral country, Indonesia.

This regret did not arise from resentment towards Belgium, but because of the respect he sees growing in Indonesia for players of Indonesian descent.

"Now I say every day, I would have preferred to play for Indonesia, not because I'm against Belgium," he said honestly.

"Because I played at all youth levels for Belgium, but because of the respect I get from the people there," he continued.

For him, appreciation and love from the public mean far more than mere status or achievements on paper.

"Just look at Sandy Walsh or Ragnar Oratmangoen, they are just ordinary players, but they are admired there," he stated.

That statement sounds simple but carries great meaning, about how pride and a sense of belonging can make someone more valued than just popularity.

Between Europe and the Homeland

Nainggolan never got the chance to wear the Indonesian national team jersey. But his career path did intersect with Indonesian football. During the 2023/2024 season, he played for Bhayangkara FC in Liga 1. Although only for half a season, his presence added a unique flavor to the national football public.

Meanwhile, Nainggolan's debut with Belgium occurred in May 2009. Throughout his journey, he recorded 30 caps and six goals. Now, he has returned to his birthplace, playing for the Belgian second-tier club KSC Lokeren. His contract was extended in June 2025 and will still run until 2026.

At an age no longer young, Radja may not have the opportunity to correct past decisions. However, his statement this time serves as a powerful reflection on the meaning of identity and respect – something that fame or trophies cannot buy.