Nainggolan reflects on a missed Indonesian chance as he turns 38

In the modest locker room of Patro Eisden Maasmechelen, 38‑year‑old former Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan sits alone, replaying a career fork he never took – the chance to wear the Indonesian shirt instead of the Red Devils. He reflects on how that decision might have prolonged his international tenure.

Coaching change at Patro Eisden

Stijn Stijnen announced last week that he was leaving his T1 post at Patro Eisden Maasmechelen to concentrate on his responsibilities as sporting director. His exit creates a vacancy, meaning Nainggolan will also have a new coach. The previous manager had been suspended for disciplinary reasons, opening the way for a fresh appointment.

Imagined Indonesian international career

Nainggolan says he could have represented Indonesia, the country of his father, which might have extended a career that ended abruptly with the Red Devils, the Diables Rouges, under Martinez. He believes a fifteen‑year spell with the Indonesian national side was within reach.

"I could not hesitate about the national team because I did not know Indonesia," Nainggolan told Het Belang van Limburg. "On the left bank of Antwerp I grew up among Africans and Maghrebis. Indonesian culture was unknown to me. When I was about five, my father left and I never saw him again."

He recalled a 2013 invitation to a two‑week, well‑paid tour of Indonesia. "I visited a few islands, gave training to children and did several short interviews. It was pleasant, and that lifestyle began to appeal to me," he said.

"But I had already played for Belgium and the national team down there meant nothing," Nainggolan added. "The notoriety, the hype, for your image you can also use for the future when you stop playing…"

Now, at 38, he admits his perspective has shifted. "At the time I did not think about it, but now I see things differently. Looking at my international career here and how it finished under Martinez, I could have enjoyed a fifteen‑year career as an Indonesian international," he concluded.