Radja Nainggolan deals Chelsea blow after revealing he wants to stay in Serie A with Roma

CHELSEA have been dealt another blow and will not see Radja Nainggolan couple up with Belgian team-mate Eden Hazard.

Nainggolan has spoken openly about staying in Italy, where he has become accustomed to the lifestyle and style of play after spending most of his professional career in the country.

The Belgian midfielder has made it absolutely clear that he doesn't wish to swap his side who sit fourth in Serie A, for a side that sit third in the Premier League.

Antonio Conte may see this as a further blow, he has been trying to poach the star since 2016, but his advances have been rebuffed.

When they couldn't secure the Belgium international again this summer, the Premier League champions spent their cash on Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko instead.

The 29-year-old has been linked with several top-flight clubs, but has continued to reiterate his commitment to his Italian side.

The Roma captain has attracted interest thanks to his dynamism and energy but his club managed to hold onto him with a new four-year deal.

When told of interest from top-flight clubs by Mediaset Premium, Nainggolan said: "These are lovely words, but I am focused on Roma.

"I think I made the choice I was happy with last year and the year before."

Roma sit two points ahead of Athletico Madrid, in second place and have just one remaining fixture.

The Beligian is committed to his side, who lost the top spot to Chelsea in their Champions League group, he said: "I am happy to represent this team, I live happily off the field and I see absolutely no reason to change that.

"It's an honour for me to wear the armband, following the likes of Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, and Alessandro Florenzi."

Nainggolan will remain loyal to the capital side for the foreseeable future- he made his debut for the club during a spell on loan and has been at the club as a permanent fixture since 2015.