Everton manager tells midfielder he needs to get help and stop smoking

 

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has told the Belgian media AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan needs to get help in order to stop smoking. The Belgian international was caught on camera smoking during the Euros this summer, and former national manager Marc Wilmots used to try and accommodate Nainggolan in a smoking room.

Speaking to DH.be, Koeman was asked about Nainggolan, and other athletes needing advice to kick the habit. The Everton boss said they should know they can get professional help, and realise smoking isn’t good for the health. Koeman said in the past a lot of players smoked, but believes nowadays it’s less common.

“He should know that there are many health professionals who can help him to stop. These athletes will have better health by stopping smoking because it’s bad. They need to be helped. 20 years ago, we saw many footballers smoking. Today less,” said Koeman when quizzed about the Roma star.

Koeman is the new face of the campaign ‘Kick It with Help’, which has been set up to help athletes and sports fans stop smoking. Koeman’s former coach Johan Cruyff died this after a long battle with cancer.