Smalling talks of ‘massive relief’ after finally leaving Man Utd

Chris Smalling TEAMtalk

Chris Smalling has admitted to feeling relieved after finally sealing his return to Roma on deadline day.

The 30-year-old centre-back has revealed he has been “fighting hard to get back” to the Italian capital after signing on a three-year deal with the option of an additional year.

Roma finally agreed a €15m fee, with a further €5m in add-ons for the former England defender after a successful loan spell last term.

“Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Chris for his years of service and dedication, and wish him all the best for his future,” read the Manchester United official website.

Smalling was loaned to Roma in August 2019 for the season, but he was barred from playing in the Europa League round of 16 by his parent club after the season was extended. He returned to Old Trafford, but after months of talks, a deal was finally struck on Monday.

“It’s a massive, massive relief. I think that everyone knew I wanted to come back and to finally get it done, albeit so close to the deadline, it’s just pure relief. Now I can enjoy being back and then get straight back to it with the team tomorrow,” he told the official Roma website.

“It was truly, truly special. I could feel tingles up my spine. To see such a big crowd as soon as I landed… honestly, I felt the love from the fans as soon as I first stepped on the pitch but it has just grown and grown [since] and it’s just such a special feeling.

“A few times I’ve seen players sign at various places and they might get a crowd, but to have it happen to myself is something I never thought would happen. To have that just makes me want to really give back as much as I can.

 

 

“I’m generally known as quite a calm guy but there were definitely times when I was just so up and down [emotionally]. Obviously, me knowing what I wanted to do but waiting for it to happen.

“But everyone here worked so hard to get it done, and I am so thankful to everyone who helped in that process.

Silverware aim

“Everyone here lives and breathes football. It’s something that is spoken about non-stop. Even from my first game I think that it’s just been a great feeling and something I’ve never wanted to leave.

“I think one of my first goals was to be here long-term, and now it’s about getting a trophy. I think that was something that was alluded to me when I first joined and I think now that is an aim that this club needs. Because I think even when I joined, this is obviously a massive club – but it has been without a trophy for a long time now.

“So that’s going to be one of my aims and I’m sure one of the team’s aims this season, to really give something back for the fans to cheer about.

“I am so happy to be here. I have been fighting hard to come back and finally we are reunited and I am ready to give my all, I can’t wait to get going again!”

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