Official: Smalling goes to Serie A's Roma

Chris Smalling has completed a loan move to AS Roma of Serie A.

The official announcement came via manchester United’s official website, manutd.com, as well as AS Roma’s social media accounts.

Manchester – the club, the people, the city, has always held a special place in my heart but I still have as much desire to play regular first team football as I did when I joined the club over 9 years ago.

AS Roma is a fantastic club, with a lot of history… pic.twitter.com/jajbsJ79M1

— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 30, 2019

As we brought you earlier at Ronaldo.com, talks have been ongoing and it was only a matter of time before the deal was concluded.

This will see the third United player this summer leave for Italy’s top flight.

United’s statement read:

“Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has completed a loan move to AS Roma for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.”

“As we reported earlier today, the centre-back flew out to the Italian capital this morning to undertake a medical and finalise the contractual details.”

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said:

“At the moment we’ve got six centre-backs.”

“This is just something that popped up towards the end of the European transfer window, in the last couple of days.”

“Chris fancied the chance to go over there; it’s a new experience, new adventure.”

“He’ll come back better for it because it’s a big club, it’s a good league.”

“There aren’t too many English players who have been playing in Italy so I think he’ll enjoy it.”

It appears that a permanent move is not something to be considered right now. Perhaps just an opportunity to keep a loyal servant playing football and ready should needs must.

In his last appearance for United, he actually scored the winner against Watford.