Chris Smalling has reportedly decided to sign a new contract with AS Roma amid growing Premier League interest in the centre-back from the likes of Everton and West Ham.
According to Pagine Romaniste, the 33-year-old defender will pen fresh terms with Jose Mourinho’s side that will keep Smalling in the Italian capital until 2025, with the view being that the former Manchester United star will now end his career with Roma.
Smalling has been one of the best defenders in Serie A for the past few seasons since joining Roma, with the centre-back’s performances this campaign attracting interest from the likes of Everton and West Ham as reported by 90min, alongside Fulham and Leicester City.
However, the defender has now opted to remain in the Eternal City to see how the final peak years of his career, with Smalling hopeful of guiding Roma to more European success by winning the UEFA Europa League this campaign as well as finishing in the top-four of Serie A.
With Smalling achieving such incredible success with Roma as well as playing a key role under Mourinho, it makes sense why the defender has opted to sign a new contract rather than dabble in the idea of returning to England, especially with Everton and West Ham both fighting for relegation.
Indeed, Smalling has established himself as one of the best defenders in Italy with Roma, and signing one last big contract with the Giallorossi is a testament to the faith the Serie A side put in the defender and the platform they have given him over the last few seasons.
Smalling right to sign new contract with Roma despite Premier League interest
A return to England could have opened a lot of doors for Smalling, particularly a return to Gareth Southgate’s national team set-up, where the defender incredibly hasn’t been selected since 2017. However, remaining in Italy to see out his career is the right idea from the 33-year-old.
Roma has given new life to Smalling and offered the centre-back a home after a nervy final months in Manchester with United, and although Everton or West Ham could have been good moves, the defender has made a good choice in staying in Italy, where more silverware could be on the cards.
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