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Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been left devastated as his dog Miley died after she allegedly ate rat poison.

Smalling, 30, is spending the season on loan at Roma, and has been impressing for the Italian club.

He and his wife Sam Cooke have been dealt a huge trauma following the death of Miley, however, and they left an emotional post on social media announcing the news in what they believe to be a poisoning, with two other family dogs, Ruben and Summer, also falling ill but surviving.

It is not yet known who would wish to cause harm to the dogs, but Smalling and Sam believe rat poison was secretly spread on the land of their house in Rome, report The Sun.

(Image: smalling/Instagram) (Image: smalling/Instagram)

Sam posted a statement online which read: "When Miley collapsed the vet found a tumour and put the internal bleeding which led to her death down to that, but it turns out that wasn't the problem.

"A few days Ruben and my mum's dog got ill and, although dismissed by vets, we realised that they had all eaten rat poison that had carelessly been put in our garden uncovered without our knowledge. Obviously Miley being older and smaller was affected the most.

(Image: smalling/Instagram)

"Ruben and Summer are on medication and doing much better and will make a full recovery. It’s an awful situation but we are all coping well and trying to implement the many lessons this sad situation has presented us with.

"Acceptance, forgiveness, faith and making the most of life knowing how quickly it can be taken to name a few.

"Big love to all our furry friends and especially Miley who will be in my heart forever."

Both Smalling and Sam regularly posted pictures of Miley on Instagram, and have clearly been hugely affected by the shocking incident.