As unlikely as it sounds, Chris Smalling has impressed with Serie A side AS Roma and club manager Paulo Fonseca is desperate to keep the Manchester United central defender.
AS Roma’s head coach Paulo Fonseca insisted he would try everything to keep English defender Chris Smalling at the Stadio Olimpico heading into the next season.
The 30-year-old Smalling has impressed at the Italian capital following his loan move from Manchester United earlier this season, but recent reports suggest that they may be unable to afford the transfer fee for the central defender despite wanting to keep him at Rome.
Most recently, Roma boss Paulo Fonseca claimed that he is eager to keep the 31-time capped England defender praising his impact for the Serie A outfit.
While speaking to ESPN on Friday, the 47-year-old Roma boss explained that he wants Smalling to stay at the club and will try and ensure a permanent deal for the defender after praising his ability, “I will do everything I can to keep him at Roma next year too. I know he wants to stay, let’s see what happens. He’s an amazing man, so humble, so professional. He is adored by the fans and established himself as one of the leaders in the dressing room.”
Fonseca also explained that it isn’t easy for English defenders to adapt to the playing style in Italy and the records in the past speak for themselves but Smalling has done a great job helping Roma to fifth on the Serie A table, “It’s not easy for English central defenders to adapt so quickly to Italian football, the record here isn’t good but he has been amazing.”
Smalling managed 28 appearances in all competitions for Roma before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis in Italy. Manchester United might also consider offloading the defender as his presence at Old Trafford might be deemed as a surplus.
