Belgium named their squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece on Friday morning. A notable name missing from the list was Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan - or, as he is known to Jim Beglin, 'Ferret head'.
Nainggolan has played five times for his country during Robert Martinez's 10-game reign as Belgium manager. The former Everton boss took over from Marc Wilmots last August.
📝This is our squad list for Gibraltar and Greece! #BELGIB #GREBEL #roadtorussia pic.twitter.com/CO5HUZg1aZ
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) August 25, 2017
The latest omission from the Belgium squad has reportedly been too much for the 29-year-old. According to Nieuwsblad.be, Nainggolan has decided he will no longer be available for international selection.
Martinez said at a press conference following the announcement of the squad that Nainggolan's absence was not a punishment, rather he preferred other players. Though, the player was dropped for the qualifier against Estonia earlier this summer after missing a team meeting.
Though Belgium squad is incredibly deep, Nainggolan's omission is still strange. Last season, he scored 11 goals in 37 Serie A appearances for Roma.
It is not the first time Nainggolan and Martinez have clashed over him not being included in the Belgium squad. Last November, Nainggolan was left out of Martinez's squad for the games against Netherlands and Estonia. Martinez claimed that the player was not fit, while Nainggloan found it strange has he had started six consecutive games for Roma, scoring twice.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
