RADJA NAINGGOLAN reckons “angry” Antonio Conte may bear a grudge over his decision to reject Chelsea.
Blues boss Conte wanted the Roma ace last summer to add steel to his midfield.
But Nainggolan rejected the Italian’s advances because of his “love” for the Giallorossi.
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Conte went on to sign N’Golo Kante and win the Premier League in his first season in charge.
But Belgian ace Nainggolan says Conte has not spoken to him since and believes he may still be irked by his rejection.
He explained: “I haven’t heard from Conte this year.
“I think he’s probably still a little angry with me about last year. At least I think he is, I don’t know.
"I get very fond of places and if you earn a certain respect, it's because you've given them something.
"I am happy in Rome, I like playing where I do now and changing club often is not my style. I showed love."
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Nainggolan's decision may have looked a dubious one given Blues' success and that Roma finished comfortably behind Serie A champions Juventus.
But he insists he doesn't regret his decision.
He added: "It wasn't a bad campaign, as to get 87 points and end up second only to a Juventus side that is in the Champions League final and eliminated Barcelona, that's something to be satisfied with.
"We could've done more in the cup competitions and there were incidents that went against us in the Europa League.
"I believe a team that wants to win must keep the solid foundations and build on them.
"The club has shown that it is relying on a strong squad. Kevin Strootman returned from his injury and I am happy for him, because he's a strong player."
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