Former AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan may soon return to the club – but this time as a futsal player. The Belgian star, who spent five successful seasons with Roma’s football team, is considering joining the club’s newly established futsal section, ASD Roma 1927 Futsal.
This development comes after Olimpus Roma, a futsal club founded in 1999, transformed into ASD Roma 1927 Futsal in October. Becoming AS Roma’s official futsal team in Serie A of Divisione Calcio a 5. The team, currently sitting in sixth place under coach Daniele D’Orto, would significantly benefit from Nainggolan’s star power.
The potential move isn’t entirely surprising given Nainggolan’s recent activities. After an unsuccessful stint with Indonesia’s Bhayangkara Presisi FC, he has been playing futsal for Hassania Mechelen. An amateur team in Belgium’s Third Division near his hometown of Antwerp. Interestingly, futsal runs in the family – his twin sister Riana has been playing in Italian futsal leagues since 2015, competing for teams like Sinnai, Queens Tivoli, and Cus Cagliari.
ASD Roma 1927 Futsal
While Nainggolan has already visited his potential new team and shown interest, he’s still considering potential football offers during the winter transfer window. However, reports from Italy suggest that ASD Roma 1927 Futsal is prepared to make him one of the highest-paid players in the league for next season.
The Belgian recently reflected on his career transition, stating, “I would like to return to eleven-a-side football, but now I accept that this sport is not based on the quality of the player but on the age. I am physically well, I stay in shape, but in the long run it is difficult.”
Such transitions between football and futsal aren’t unprecedented. Former Real Madrid player Robert Jarni notably played four seasons of futsal with Hajduk Split after ending his football career in 2003, even representing Croatia at the international level in both sports.
In related futsal news, Ecocity Genzano announced the mutual termination of their contract with Portuguese star Ricardinho. The 39-year-old’s Italian adventure lasted just five months, with rumors now linking him to a potential move to the Kings League.
