BEVERLY HILLS, October 05, (THEWILL) – Manchester United, the English Premiership club, has confirmed the permanent move of their 30-year-old English international defender, Chris Smalling to the Italian side Roma in a deal totalling around €18 million.
Smalling, who was on loan in the Italian capital with Roma last season impressed with his performances playing 37 times as the Giallorossi ended the season fifth on the log and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League. He was the main defensive player for Roma’s coach Paulo Fonseca and did everything asked of him in the heart of the club’s three-man defensive line. His contribution was pivotal in certain crucial moments of the season.
ALSO READ: Telles Signs For Manchester United
The Englishman joined the Red Devils in 2010 from Fulham and made 323 appearances for the club in all competitions with 18 goals to his name. With them, he won two Premier League titles and tasted success in the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and the Europa League. He has been capped 31 times as an England international.
When he returned to Old Trafford in pre-season, Smalling was deemed surplus to requirements at United and THEWILL believes it was easy for him to decide to make a permanent move to Italy. The deal was successfully completed because a fee was agreed upon by both clubs before the 7pm Italy transfer window deadline.
He will field out with his teammates in his first appearance as a permanent Roma player in their next game when they host Benevento after the international break on October 18.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
