On-loan Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, 30, has expressed shock as his loan with the Italian club Roma comes to an end while the team is still in Europa League.
The defender will return to Old Trafford at the end of the Italian Serie A campaign as both clubs could not reach an agreement which would allow the Man Utd player to see out the rest of the Europa League campaign.
Sources reveal to Futballnews that Roma wanted a short-term agreement to allow him to play the remaining fixtures in the Europa League as they play Sevilla in the round of 16 one-off fixture on the 6 of August.
He posted on his twitter page;
I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season. To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten. I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA! 💛❤️ 🐺 pic.twitter.com/9vHfpWUNsz
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 4, 2020
“I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season. To experience the; love shown to me in such a short time was extra special, and it will not be forgotten. I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA !!.”
The Giallorossie Sporting Director Gianluca Pertrachi, while speaking to SkySport said; The numbers dont lie, they have been two successful loans, while speaking about Chris Smalling and his former Manchester United teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Grazie @ChrisSmalling e @DZappacosta 👏#ASRoma
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) August 4, 2020
Chris Smalling, 30 has over 300 appearances for Manchester United and 18 goals and four assists to his name before he loaned out to Roma due to poor form and injuries.
However, he seems to have found comfort in Serie A playing a major role in Roma’s fifth-place finish to the season with over 37 appearances in the league, scored three goals and assisted two goals, with only four bookings.
In the wake of is impressive loan season with Roma man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Smalling still has a future at the club and would be a great asset to the club next season.
