Smalling: Roma the 'perfect fit'

By Football Italia staff

Chris Smalling assures he has the pace and experience to ‘slot straight into’ Roma’s defence following his arrival from Manchester United.

Smallin completed a quick-fire loan move to the Giallorossi on Friday, and their new No 6 wasted no time in giving a lengthy interview to Roma TV.

“As soon as I heard the interest was there, the chance to experience a new League with a big team that has got big aspirations is what I needed. I’m lucky enough to be here now,” began the Englishman.

"There started to be a few rumours not too long ago, and it got me interested - but you are never too sure whether it is true or not. Then once I heard it was concrete I wanted to talk and get it wrapped up very quickly.

“I think [the presence of Kolarov and Dzeko] was definitely a factor, knowing they are experienced players and what they’ve achieved – both in the Premier League and here.

“Speaking to them, speaking to other players who have played in Italy, there was such good noise around Roma and Serie A itself that it was a bit of a no-brainer.

“Growing up obviously you want to play in the Premier League, but deep down I also had that aspiration to play abroad.

“Watching Serie A over the years, being one of the top leagues alongside the Premier League, and [now] being able to come and experience that – and at such a big club as well – it was the perfect opportunity for me.”

The 29-year-old then revealed his first impressions of the club and how he was convinced by new boss Paulo Fonseca.

“I think how amazing everything at the club is. The attention to detail with everything, the quality of the pitches, the media centre, the facilities.

“I’ve been doing medicals most of the day but coming to the training ground and getting to see where I will be every day, where I will train, getting a feel for it all... I think it’s been a perfect day.

“I think it is. I think if I was going to leave Manchester United I had to go to a club that was big, that has big aspirations and big targets and this club has all that.

“It has the history and has big, big targets that I want to be a part of and help to come true.

“I think as soon as I spoke to the Coach and we spoke about how he sees the game and how he wants the team to set up I felt it was the perfect fit for me.

“I have the experience and if you want to play that high line then you do need defenders with pace, so hopefully I can slot straight in. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team.

“As soon as you hear about a club’s interest, you want to speak to the manager and hear the technical side of how he sees the team fitting, and how he sees you fitting, and everything else.

“And our conversation got me very excited, I think as soon as I left it I was thinking, ‘Let’s make this happen’.

"It was that final thing I needed, to have that conversation with the manager, but I would say that almost straight away – within 30 seconds – I wanted to make it happen.

The Englishman joins Roma just two days before they take on city rivals Lazio in the Derby della Capitale...

“It is a game that is always on television, all over the world. It’s big in everyone’s minds, across the world.

“Just in terms of the fans, they are crazy and that is what we need as players – it drives us on. So to come in and have the derby within a couple of days is the perfect setup.

“Ever since I came back for pre-season I’ve been in good shape, I have not had any injuries – touch wood - so I’ve been able to train every day.

“Obviously I have not had that game-time over in England but I’ve trained every day and fitness-wise I’m feeling really good. So I hope I can hit the ground running when I start training.

“As a team, when I spoke with the manager about the team’s targets, it was to do well in Serie A and qualify for the Champions League, and then to compete in the Europa League and try to win that.

“There are a lot of targets there that I want to be a part of and help make this club an even greater success.

“I think I am someone who is very open and honest. I will always give 100% and I hope for some fantastic support and I will do everything I can to have a positive impact.”

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