Former Roma Midfielder Signs Deal with Bhayangkara FC

Belgium star Radja Nainggolan has made a surprising move to a club run by Indonesia's national police. The former Roma, Inter Milan, and Cagliari midfielder, who was a free agent after leaving SPAL, has signed a deal until the end of the season with Bhayangkara FC.

Club Owned by Indonesian Police

Bhayangkara FC, also known as the Guardians, is owned by Indonesia's police service. Many of Nainggolan's new teammates are serving cops. The 35-year-old Antwerp-born player's father is Indonesian, and his first name means "King" in the local language.

Excitement to Play in Indonesia

Nainggolan expressed his enthusiasm for joining Bhayangkara FC, stating that he missed football and is looking forward to playing in Indonesia. He also mentioned that he received numerous offers from agents but had difficulty getting any offers in writing.

Biggest-Ever Signing in Indonesia

Capped 30 times, Nainggolan has become the largest signing made by a club in Indonesia. Despite the country's limited success in international competitions, Nainggolan aims to combine his playing career with promoting Indonesia as a travel destination.

Controversial Career in Italy

Nainggolan is known for his successful career in Italy's Serie A. He won the league title in 2021 with Inter Milan. However, his time at Antwerp was filled with controversy, including losing his license for drink-driving and speeding, as well as being suspended indefinitely for smoking an e-cigarette on the bench.

Rejected Moves to Chelsea and Man Utd

In 2017, Nainggolan turned down moves to Chelsea and Manchester United. He cited the importance of feeling good and being happy at a club as his primary motivation for staying in Italy. Nainggolan wanted to end his career with Roma and earn the respect he had worked 12 years to achieve.

Overall, Nainggolan's move to Bhayangkara FC is an unexpected twist in his career. The midfielder will now embark on a new chapter playing for a team owned by the police in Indonesia's Liga 1.