Former England defender Chris Smalling has signed a new two-year contract with Serie A club Roma.
The 33-year-old joined the Italian club on a season-long loan from Manchester United in 2019 and made the transfer permanent the following year. Smalling’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico was set to expire at the end of this month.
After signing the new contract, Smalling expressed how happy he is in Rome, and how easy it was to make the decision to stay at Roma for two more years.
“I’m playing the best football of my career here and my family and I have felt so welcome in this wonderful city from day one. What’s more, this club is clearly taking great strides forward in all areas. Choosing to remain at Roma was an easy decision to make.
“I want to thank our fans too: the unconditional support they have shown me helped make the decision even easier.” Smalling said, as quoted by Roma’s official website.
Since moving to Italy, Smalling has made 143 appearances for AS Roma in all competitions and scored 10 goals.
Roma’s general manager Tiago Pinto described Smalling as a key figure in the club’s dressing room and a role model for the young players of the club.
“During his time at the club, Chris has distinguished himself not only for his performances on the field but also for the sense of belonging he has shown, which has led him to tie his future to the club
“We are delighted to be able to count on both his defensive prowess and his leadership skills. He is a key dressing-room figure and a role model for the younger lads in our squad.”
Smalling was a key player for Jose Mourinho’s side that won the inaugural edition of the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022, as well as reaching the Europa League final in 2023.
