Chris Smalling has given a fresh strong hint that he would like to stay at Roma beyond this season, declaring “Long may it continue.”
The English defender has been outstanding during his loan spell from Manchester United this season, establishing himself at the heart of the Roma defence.
There is some uncertainty over whether Roma will be able to afford to buy him permanently if they don’t qualify for the Champions League – just like man of the moment Henrikh Mkhitaryan, also on loan from a Premier League club – but the club, fans and player seem harmonious in wanting to continue together.
Days after telling BBC Sport he was hopeful that discussions would take place over a permanent move, Smalling has now reiterated to Sky Sports how happy he is in the capital.
“When I first came it was exciting but also daunting because you’re not sure what to expect,” he said.
“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.
“Even when I spoke to them [parent club Man Utd], 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.”
Smalling is grateful that Roma have been able to offer him more regular gametime than he would have been granted at United.
“Over the previous years, I had been used to playing in nearly every game when fit,” he added.
“So to cut that in half, when you look around at other opportunities, there was nothing better than this [Roma] that could have come up.
“We spoke openly and we made it happen.”
Champions League qualification appears to be the main hurdle between Roma and being able to afford the 30-year-old, but with his form maintaining a high level, the club will surely be exploring all possible ways to keep hold of him long-term.
Paulo Fonseca told the same outlet after Sunday’s win over Lecce that he would like to sign Smalling permanently if possible.
DAJE ROMA! 🐺 💛❤️ @OfficialASRoma pic.twitter.com/CnsUcL7nM8
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) February 23, 2020
“Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional,” he said.
“The adaptation [to Italian football] was very easy for him. He’s a boy that everyone loves in the club because he is a great professional.
“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.
“He is a great player, a great man with a great attitude every day and for all of these reasons I would be very happy if Chris stays.”
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