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Roma star Nainggolan wants to groom young Indonesian talent
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Radja Nainggolan (asroma.com/asroma.com)
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S Roma star Radja Nainggolan has expressed his desire to help develop Indonesian soccer, especially by grooming the country’s young talent.
The Belgian footballer of Indonesian descent voiced the gesture during his recent visit to the Embassy of Indonesia in Rome, Italy, reported Antara.
Embassy officer Charles F. Hutapea said Nainggolan saw potential for cooperation with Indonesia to develop the skills of the country’s children and teenagers.
The midfielder of Italy’s top-flight club considers Andik Vermansyah, who scored three goals in his 21 caps with the Under-23 national soccer team between 2011-2013, to be one of several Indonesian soccer players with a bright future.
Nainggolan, whose Indonesian father Marianus Nainggolan is of Batak ethnicity, said he feels close to the country and maintains good communication with Marius’ extended family.
The 28-year-old, who has visited Indonesia several times, said he may even decide to live in Bali or Jakarta in future.
In late 2016, Nainggolan showed his support for the Indonesian soccer team before its match with Thailand in AFF Cup final by posting a video on his Instagram account, @radjaclanainggolan.
