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Chris Smalling Responds to Rumours He Could Make Roma Move Permanent

​Chris Smalling admits he will have a decision on his hands come the end of the season regarding a potential permanent move to Roma.

The Manchester United defender has spent the season on loan at the Serie A outfit, and has impressed in Italy.

His performances have led to Roma manager Paulo Fonseca to ​confirm that he would like to keep Smalling beyond the end of the current campaign.

Chris Smalling

The Roma manager said: "I would like Chris to stay. We are speaking. I don't know if it is possible because of the situation with Manchester United, but I would like so much for Chris to stay here with us because he is very important."


Smalling's contract at Old Trafford runs until 2022, with the option of a further year, and following his manager's admission, the centre back admits he has a lot to consider regarding his future.


Speaking to ​Sky Sports News, Smalling said: "When I first came it was exciting but also daunting because you're not sure what to expect. New country, new experience. 

"But considering the way I've settled in, the love that I have felt, especially from the fans but everyone in Rome, it will be an interesting decision to make.


"Some of the other players said if you really hit the ground running, the love that you can have in this city is unbelievable. That's really what I've felt and so have my family. Long may it continue."

Smalling opted to move to Italy after United manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer could not guarantee him regular first team football following the arrival of ​Harry Maguire. 

Chris Smalling

The 30-year-old says the idea was always to then re-discuss his future at the end of his loan spell.

"When I spoke to them [Manchester United], it was a case of 'let's have a good season, hopefully it all goes to plan, the team is successful and I am successful' and at the end of the season we'll sit down.

"That was the plan at the start of the season and obviously we're not finished yet so come the end of the season we'll see what the plan is."


Source : 90min