Football

Chris Smalling says he 'misses Man Utd' as he nears permanent transfer exit


Chris Smalling has admitted he ‘misses Manchester United’ – but says he is ‘settled’ in Italy as a permanent Old Trafford exit looms.

Smalling was shipped out on loan to Roma for the season as United ended up with a glut of centre-backs following the £80million summer signing of Harry Maguire.

The defender’s United contract expires in the summer, but having established himself in Roma’s starting line-up he may yet be offered a permanent deal with the Serie A side.

Asked if he missed United, the 29-year-old told Football Italia : “I do because I was there for so many years and I was used to be being part of the furniture there.

“But I am enjoying my new chapter, and hopefully I can keep affecting performances on the pitch and we can have a successful season. But right now I’m really enjoying being in Italy.”

Chris Smalling says he’s happy in Italy and it’s showing on the pitch

Smalling said he and his family are happy in Italy, and he is already starting to master the language.

“I’m starting to pick up things the manager is saying in Italian, and even with the players I’m lucky as quite a few of them speak English,” he said.

“I’m definitely picking up a lot of football phrases and a lot of basic phrases that are helping me interact with the team on and off the pitch.

“I am feeling very settled; my family is over here and the dogs are over here, so everyone is settled. When my family are happy and I am happy it shows on the pitch.”

Smalling is targeting silverware and a return to the Champions League

Smalling said he had bought into boss Paulo Fonseca’s mission to win silverware with Roma this season.

“The manager’s targets are not just about getting back in the Champions League,” said Smalling. “It is about winning something.

Read More

Mirror Football’s Top Stories

“That is where my full focus is, and come the end of the season when we’ve won something and achieved something we can see where it goes.

“Right now it is all about focus on the pitch.”





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.