Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots, has made a shocking revelation about Chelsea target, Radja Nainggolan, confirming his star midfielder is addicted to smoking.
Nainggolan, 28, is on the wish-list of incoming Blues boss, Antonio Conte, after impressing last term for Italian giants, Roma.
The highly rated anchorman, who has spent virtually all his club career in Italy, was able to sustain his form at the 2016 European Championship – scoring a screamer in the 2-0 victory over Sweden.
And Wilmots, who is set to play the former Cagliari man in his side’s last 16 clash against Portugal, disclosed that the player can’t do without smoking.
“Yes, Radja smokes,” the Rode Duivels coach told Sporza . “It’s a habit and a lot of people do it in France and Italy.”
But the tactician who is his country’s all-time top scorer at the FIFA World Cup, however revealed that he has no problem with the player’s smoking habits as long it doesn’t affect his game.
“I am not going to stop him if that’s what he needs. I am flexible when it comes to matters like this. It’s his body.
“I’m fine with it so long as he performs out there on the pitch.
“I always make sure he gets a room with a balcony, so he does not set off the smoke alarm.
“I think he is the only one at the Belgium national team who smokes.
“I reckon he would trash his room if we forbade him to smoke five or six cigarettes per day.
“It’s his problem if this means he will have to retire at 30 rather than at 35.”
