Euro 2016: Chelsea target and Belgium ace Radja Nainggolan is a smoker who ‘breaks down doors’ without nicotine fix
But Marc Wilmots admits he has no problems with midfielder puffing on cigarettes as long as his performances don't drop
BELGIUM boss Marc Wilmots has confirmed that Chelsea target Radja Nainggolan is a smoker.
The Roma star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, although he insists he wants to remain in Italy.
And perhaps the idea of working with strict disciplinarian Antonio Conte is putting Nainggolan off a move after it emerged that he puffs away on up to six cigarettes a day.
The midfielder is renowned for his work-rate and dynamism in Serie A, and one can only wonder what his performances would be like if he packed in the habit.
But Wilmots is surprisingly cool about Nainggolan smoking while on Euro 2016 duty with his country, explaining that the 28-year-old can light up whenever he wants as long as he continues to give his all on the pitch.
Wilmots told Sporza: “Yes, Radja smokes. That is a habit and many do it in France and Italy.
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“If he needs it I’m not going to stop him. I am flexible about it. It is his own body and as long as he performs on the field, I have no problem.
“I always make sure that we give Radja a room with a balcony so the smoke alarm does not go off. I think he’s the only Belgian who smokes.
“When I forbid him to smoke five or six cigarettes a day, he breaks down the door of my room. And it’s his problem if he can only play football until he’s 30 instead of 35.”
Despite Nainggolan’s smoking, it appears Chelsea are still keen on completing a deal as Conte looks to challenge for the Premier League title.
Nainggolan said: “For seven years now they’ve been saying I’ll change clubs. It happens every summer. If I’ve to stay at Roma then I’d be happy.
“The Giallorossi and Chelsea are still talking, but at the moment I’m focused on the Euros.”
