Radja Nainggolan eager to contact injured Federico Mattiello

By Callum Mulvihill, Reporter | 08 March 2015

Roma's Radja Nainggolan reveals that he will contact Chievo midfielder Federico Mattiello after the teenager broke his leg in a challenge with the Belgian.

Roma's Radja Nainggolan has revealed that he will contact Federico Mattiello to express regret over the challenge which caused the Chievo midfielder to suffer a serious injury.

Mattiello was forced off in the goalless draw between the two sides with what has been reported as a double leg break, but Nainggolan insists that he only had eyes for the ball in the challenge with the 19-year-old.

"At the point of the challenge I actually wanted a free kick in my favour, but when I looked at the Chievo bench I realised there was an injury," the Belgian told Sky Sport Italia.

"I saw the footage after the game. My challenge was as strong as his but his leg got stuck between mine when he fell. It's a real shame, especially as he's so young. I wish him the very best.

"I asked Chievo to give me his number so I can call him later."

Mattiello has only managed to make three appearances since arriving at Chievo on loan from Juventus in the January transfer window, and he is likely to return to his parent club to rehabilitate the injury.