With his professionalism off the pitch, his assured demeanor on it and his investment in adjusting to the Italian lifestyle, Chris Smalling is earning a growing number of admirers in Rome.

One of those is Roma's sporting director Gianluca Petrachi, the man who played a key role in luring Smalling to the Italian capital from Old Trafford. So impressed is he by the 30-year-old, he hopes Smalling will choose to make his move to Italy a permanent one in the summer.

'There is a chance,' Petrachi told Sportsmail. 'The player will choose what to do. If he really wishes, we will be happy to have him with us permanently.

Chris Smalling has gone from strength to strength since arriving at Roma on loan

Smalling is enjoying life in Italy and has taken language courses to help him to settle - he captioned this Instagram post over the festive period 'Holding the key to the city - Loving our first Christmas in Rome with the family'

Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has spoken about Smalling in glowing terms

'We are very happy with Smalling and he knows it. With Manchester United, the relationship is excellent, we have an excellent feeling with the club.'

But it seems that absence has made the heart grow fonder at Old Trafford.

Smalling struggled for his finest form in a season of upheaval last year. Jose Mourinho was sacked, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw enough of an upturn to take the reins on a permanent basis before results spiraled once again.

When Roma came in for Smalling last summer, a fresh start seemed best for all. But as United continue to stutter under Solskjaer, the wisdom in letting Smalling depart has fallen under greater scrutiny.

'He's the best defender at the club,' Rio Ferdinand said of Smalling after United lost 2-0 at home to Burnley. 'If we're talking just outright defending, he's the best defender at the club. I don't understand it.

'That's just my opinion as a centre-half looking at it. If I was playing against Burnley today and had to pick a centre-half from Manchester United to play, he would be the first name on the sheet.'

Rio Ferdinand (left) has described Smalling as United's 'best defender' and queried why he left

But when Roma made their approach for Smalling, it seemed the right time for a change

While Smalling has rediscovered his best form, United struggle on under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

SMALLING IN ITALY Appearances: 21 - Serie A: 16 - Europa League: 3 - Coppa Italia: 2 Goals: 2 Advertisement

In Italy, Smalling looks refreshed and it has shown in his approach to life, not just to football.

'The boy is charismatic,' explains Petrachi. 'He loves Rome and the Italian lifestyle.

'I think it's obvious how it sounds: it's finally peaceful. Smalling finds himself very well in Rome, lives well and has returned to great levels.

'He follows an Italian course to improve his grasp of the language. This made me very happy because it shows that the boy is intelligent.

'Technically he is very strong. I think it is fundamental for a sporting director to understand how some players can do well. I thought this move could work and I'm happy that the results prove me right.'

Smalling certainly looks settled in Italy. While he isn't a footballer who broadcasts too much of his life across social media, he wrote about his happiness abroad in a picture over Christmas where he was in the Vatican City.

'Holding the key to the city,' Smalling wrote. 'Loving our first Christmas in Rome with the family. From mine to yours wishing you the best holiday period.'

Roma occupy fourth, the final Champions League qualifying place in Serie A but are only a point clear of the chasing Atalanta.

Smalling has played 21 times so far this season, including in the Europa League, and has scored twice. His form has even caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, who has been to Italy to watch Smalling this season as he considers his options with Euro 2020 on the horizon.

A recall would be a significant achievement for Smalling - he hasn't played for his country since 2017 but has 31 caps.

Petrachi is not surprised by the levels that Smalling has reached.

Smalling has made 21 appearances for Roma so far this season across all competitions

Roma are currently fourth in Serie A and occupy the final Champions League qualifying place

Smalling seems to be at a more enjoyable place for football at present, compared to United

'My characteristic has always been to choose guys with determination and desire to do well,' he said. 'Smalling wanted to demonstrate his strength. My goal is to make people play better and create harmony around them. He needed that.

'I was looking for an aggressive central defender to support a young man like Gianluca Mancini (Smalling's partner in the centre of defence). Smalling was perfect for my football idea to help Mancini to grow rapidly.

'Smalling is a serious and professional guy, a good person.'

There are a number of decisions to be made around Smalling at the end of the season - from United, from Southgate and from Roma, if reports that United will sell him for £25m are true.

But for now, the 30-year-old is very much a man who is enjoying the present moment. He has rediscovered his groove in Italy and right now, football looks much more enjoyable there than in Manchester.