Radja Nainggolan Announces His Retirement From International Football

Radja Nainggolan has announced his retirement from international football after he was left out of the 23-man Belgium squad ahead of the World Cup this summer.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has been scrutinised for his decision to leave Nainggolan out of the squad, with the likes of Axel Witsel, Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini being preferred instead of the 30-year-old.

"Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end. I've always done everything I could to represent my country." he wrote on Instagram.

Belgium released a 28-man squad for the 2018 World Cup, before it's whittled down to 23 players on June 4th and to the surprise of many, the Roma midfielder was left out.

Roberto Martinez has announced his Belgium party which includes the likes of Chelsea pair Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, Spurs' Jan Vertonghen, Manchester United duo Marouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku.

As well as Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, to name but a few.

Image: Belgium

Martinez himself reportedly flew to Rome, Italy, to inform Nainggolan of his decision.

Thoughts on the decision to omit Radja from the squad? Do you think he has retired to early?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Belgium, Football, Midfielder, Roma, Radja Nainggolan, World Cup

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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