Radja Nainggolan (foto: Instagram)
Radja Nainggolan has publicly addressed his recent arrest, denying involvement in drug trafficking and describing his brief time in prison as a "strange experience."
Radja Nainggolan has broken his silence following his recent arrest in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking investigation in Belgium. The former international midfielder, who was detained for several days before being released, insists he was unfairly treated and has no ties to criminal activity.
The 35-year-old was arrested alongside more than 30 people as part of a police crackdown on a smuggling ring allegedly transporting cocaine from South America. While Nainggolan was not charged, his name being linked to the case has caused significant controversy.
Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, Nainggolan detailed the events of his arrest, claiming authorities treated him as a major criminal. "They interrogated me for four hours. I went before the investigating judge when it was already 6 p.m. They told me that we would spend the whole night behind bars. They acted as if they had caught Pablo Escobar, even though I had nothing to do with these drug trafficking incidents."
He insists that his arrest stemmed solely from his association with an individual linked to the case. "They arrested me because a friend of mine was involved. They didn't ask me anything about the drugs themselves, they just wanted to know what my relationship was with this person," Nainggolan explained.
The former Roma and Inter Milan star admitted that his time behind bars was an eye-opening experience. "Being in prison was a strange experience that I would never want to repeat again. They presented me as a 'dealer'," he added.
Following his release, Nainggolan has resumed training with Belgian second-division club Lokeren, which he joined just days before his arrest. Despite the controversy, he remains focused on continuing his football career.