The news that all Roma fans had been waiting for finally came true on deadline day, as Chris Smalling joined the club on a permanent basis.
Smalling was outstanding during his loan spell from Manchester United last season, leading to months of negotiations for his permanent transfer.
Roma just managed to beat the deadline after agreeing a €15m deal with the Premier League club, before the league finally confirmed his registration two hours after the window had closed.
Naturally, most fans are very happy to have Smalling back at Roma – as seen by the reception he received when he landed in the capital on Tuesday afternoon. And the feeling is clearly mutual.
“Olé, olé olé olé, Smalling, Smalling!”
— Giallorossi Yorkshire (@RomaYorkshire) October 6, 2020
What a reception as the defender lands in Rome! 💛❤️pic.twitter.com/wMcmUNWwSm
The Englishman clearly enjoyed his first year in Rome, and has since expressed his delight at being able to return on a three-year contract.
When Roma announced the deal had gone through, they carried some quotes from Smalling, reading: “Nothing in life worth having comes easy.
“My head and my heart has always been in Rome. I am delighted to now be yours. Daje Roma!”
He then took to Twitter to elaborate how happy he is to have sealed his permanent move.
Responding to Roma’s ‘welcome back’ tweet, Smalling wrote: “My home is your home.”
My home is your home 💛❤️ https://t.co/NWkEO2yKW5
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) October 5, 2020
The morning after the move, the 30-year-old went into more detail via the same platform.
“I arrived last summer, and although temporary at the time, I knew instantly it would be my permanent home,” he explained.
“Cannot wait to get started again, the journey continues, enjoy the ride!”
I arrived last summer, and although temporary at the time, I knew instantly it would be my permanent home. Cannot wait to get started again, the journey continues, enjoy the ride! 💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/MyoAtrN1pQ
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) October 6, 2020
There will surely be plenty more to come from Smalling in the forthcoming days.
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