Italian side AS Roma has signed Manchester United England defender Chris Smalling on a three-year deal worth 15m euros (£13.6m), rising to 20m euros (£18.1m) with add-ons. The Italian FA processed the paperwork on the deal with one minute to spare before the transfer deadline in Italy.
30-year-old Chris Smalling spent the whole of last season on loan at the Italian club and helped Paulo Fonseca’s side to a fifth-place Serie A finish and Europa League qualification. Manchester United and Roma had initially struggled to reach an agreement over a fee.
According to the English man, he said: “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!” England centre-back Smalling did well during his loan spell at the Italian club last season, making 30 league appearances and scoring three goals.
He has won 31 England caps and played 323 times for Manchester United, where he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, a League Cup and the Europa League. Prior to announcing Smalling’s departure, Manchester United announced the signing of Alex Telles on a four-year deal from Porto.
They have also completed the signing of former Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani and also Atalanta’s teenage winger Amad Diallo.
