Manchester United. Photo: Twitter@ Manchester United.
Chris Smalling has joined Italian side, Roma, on a
permanent deal on Friday, after ten years with Manchester
United.
Roma have signed English defender Chris Smalling for 15 million
euros (£13.5 million, $17.5 million) from Manchester United, the
Serie A club confirmed on Monday.
In a statement, Roma said that the 30-year-old, who scored three
goals in 37 appearances in all competitions on loan at the Italian
club last season, has signed a deal that would keep him in the
Italian capital until the end of June 2023.
Smalling had taken well to life in Rome and earned himself the
nickname ‘Smalldini’ following commanding displays in the Roma
defence.
“Nothing in life worth having comes easy,” Smalling said.
“My head and my heart has always been in Rome. I am delighted to
now be yours. Daje (come on) Roma!”
The deal, which had dragged on for most of the transfer window
and reportedly was only registered with barely any time to spare,
includes a further five million euros in add-ons according to media
reports.
Smalling was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2010 from Fulham,
and went on to make 323 appearances for the club, scoring 18
goals.
Roma also announced that they had sold Argentine winger Diego
Perotti to Turkish side Fenerbahce on transfer deadline day, ending
his five-year spell at the club.
Earlier on Monday, United made their second signing of the
window as Brazilian international left-back Alex Telles joined from
Porto.
AFP