Chris Smalling finally secured a move out of Manchester United this summer as he joined AS Roma on a season-long loan deal.

Man United released an official statement saying: “Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has completed a loan move to AS Roma for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.

“As we reported earlier today, the centre-back flew out to the Italian capital this morning to undertake a medical and finalise the contractual details.”

While some rumours claimed Chris Smalling would not be coming back to the club next year but speaking about the loan move, Solskjaer had hinted that he wanted to bring back the England international at the end of the current season.

The manager said: “Chris fancied the chance to go over there; it’s a new experience, new adventure.

“He’ll come back better for it because it’s a big club, it’s a good league. There aren’t too many English players who have been playing in Italy so I think he’ll enjoy it.”

Now though the 29-year-old has claimed he not only wishes to play good football for AS Roma but he also sees a long-term future at the club.

“I’m very eager to come. It happened very quickly,” he said at a press conference(as reported by Four Four Two).

“I’m focused on the next game, getting up to speed with the manager’s methods. Then I’ll see what happens next season. If it prolongs and everyone’s happy, I could definitely see a long-term future in Italy.”

VERDICT ON CHRIS SMALLING SALE:

Chris Smalling has been with Man United for nine years but the defender has never been able to reach the heights which were once prophesied about him.

And as soon as Man United went out and bought Harry Maguire this summer it was only a matter of time before Ole chose to sell off either Phil Jones or Smalling.

But it looks like the manager is keeping his faith in Jones and Axel Tuanzebe to lead the defensive line during the less important cup games which means Smalling had no place in the squad.

Some reports have claimed the season-long loan deal does have an option to buy which will surely be exercised by Roma if Chris Smalling can have a good season in the Serie A.

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