Uros Radakovic Reveals Harrowing Truths About His Struggles at FC Nantes

In the world of football transfers, mishaps are common, and Uros Radakovic’s case at Nantes is a prime example. The 31-year-old defender joined the Canaries in early July, arriving as a free agent after spending three years in Turkey. Standing tall at 1.94m and weighing 85 kg, the Belgrade native was expected to be a strong replacement for Nicolas Pallois, acquired at a low cost. However, this arrangement lasted only a month.

By early August, rumors indicated that FC Nantes no longer wanted Radakovic. The coaching staff was reportedly disappointed with his preseason performance, prompting the recruitment team to seek an exit strategy for him. Ultimately, Radakovic did not leave the club but has been used sparingly. He was not selected for the first four matches of the Ligue 1 season, appearing only four times afterward—against Rennes (September 20), Lille (October 19), Metz (November 2), and Lyon (November 30).

“It hurts the ego”

These four appearances have resulted in a mere 21 minutes of playing time, a disappointing tally for any player. Moreover, whenever he does make an appearance, Radakovic is often played out of position, frequently utilized in attack to leverage his height. Under contract until 2027, Radakovic spoke to Ouest-France about his situation. He attributed his poor preseason performance to a difference in emphasis at his previous clubs, stating, “I’m not usually very good in preseason. In the countries where I played before, friendly matches didn’t matter much. Here, it’s different.” He admitted regretting not showcasing himself more on the field. Still, Radakovic remains determined.

Despite a challenging situation at Nantes, the Serbian is determined to prove himself. He shared, “Honestly, it hasn’t been easy. If I feel unhappy somewhere, I leave. But I knew I hadn’t shown my true value. I want to demonstrate that I deserve to be here. I’ve always been a starter wherever I’ve gone, so this situation is hard to accept. It hurts the ego, especially at my age.” He is committed to doing whatever it takes to prove his worth, even if it means continuing in an unexpected attacking role: “Of course, I prefer playing in defense, but if I can help the team as an attacker, I’ll do it, whether it’s for 1 minute or 90.” The message is clear.