"I'M OBSESSED BY MISSING OUT ON THE WORLD CUP IN 2018 - BELGIUM COULD HAVE WON IF I'D BEEN PICKED"

The tough-tackling utility man opens up about public perceptions, his Euro 2016 agony against Wales and why he can never forgive Roberto Martinez

- Antonio Moschella

You were born in Belgium in 1988 as the son of an Indonesian immigrant. What was your early life like?

I guess I’m a child of modern Belgium, of modern Europe. And that’s probably why I’ve always so easily adapted in any place that I’ve lived. I come from a multicultural environment and I had to manage every situation since I was a kid. I remember I was always playing with my twin sister and following my older brother, and that’s also set up a vision of equality for me. When it came to sport, for me, everything was always natural. I was self-taught in any field. For instance, I was a good student, I’ve always studied. That said, I was always waiting for the school bell to ring so I could go on my break and play football.

You left your home country when you were only 17 to sign for Italian club Piacenza. How was the move?

I had the opportunity to go to Italy and couldn’t let it pass. I arrived in Piacenza and didn’t know a word of Italian, but I soon adapted. My nature helped me a lot when getting used to the culture and the people. Now Italy is my second home, and I’ll live there again after I’ve retired from playing.

Do you think your move to Italy took you off the radar for Belgian national team selection?

Perhaps, because I’d never played professionally in my own country until I came back to Antwerp in 2021. But somehow, yes, I reckon other players were shown the red carpet compared to me. I had to struggle, but I finally succeeded in getting a call up in 2009, even if I needed time to get there.

In 2014, you left Cagliari for Roma and went on to make more than 200 appearances for the club. Many fans there consider you an icon...

That’s the most important thing to me – winning over the supporters. Even if we didn’t win anything, I still carry the fans in my heart all the time.