Radja Nainggolan reveals why he rejected the chance to sign Chelsea

London, March 1: Stakes were high in the last Summer transfer window regarding Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan leaving Serie A and joining a Premier League club with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Even there were rumours that the 29-year-old was pondering over a cash-rich move to the far east to Chinese League.

However, nothing materialised and eventually the Belgian decided to stay put at Rome, penning a new Roma contract instead. And now in a recent interview, the central midfielder has revealed that unquestionably there were many offers from various clubs, including Chelsea however he turned down the defending Premier League Champions and several other clubs in favour of a happy life in Rome.

"I could have gone to Chelsea and many other clubs, but starting something new when you are 28, 29, in a new culture, another lifestyle, that's not for me," he told Belgium's Sport Voetbal Magazine. "I prefer to stay where I feel good.

"If money were my only motivation, I would have changed clubs many times and my salary would have grown, but my first priority is to live well. You need to live well and be happy playing where you are and I have both of those things here. Everything is perfect; my family is happy in Rome.

"There are lots of good restaurants and it's a good place to go shopping. When friends or family come to visit, you can send them almost anywhere.

"I'm liked at the club and the supporters are behind me. I've given a lot on the field and I get a lot of respect for that. As a footballer, that's one of the best things you can get. I grew up in Antwerp, but I became a man in Italy. As things stand, I can see myself living in Rome in later life."

Nainggolan has played 189 times for Roma since joining Roma in 2014 and since then has been one of their star performers.

He was named their Player of the Season last year, alongside getting in the Serie A Team of the Year three campaigns in a row. He also helped Roma giving a tough fight to Juventus for the Scudetto but eventually had to settle for a second spot finish where he registered 11 goals and 5 assists in the league.

The Belgian also has been consistent this season where he has netted twice assisting four.