Improved Chris Smalling says he ‘misses Man Utd’ as he nears permanent transfer exit

Chris Smalling has admitted he ‘misses Manchester United’ but says he is ‘settled’ in Italy as a permanent Old Trafford exit looms.

Smalling was shipped out on loan to Roma for the season as United ended up with a glut of centre-backs following the £80million summer signing of Harry Maguire.

Asked if he missed United, the 29-year-old told reporters:

 “I do because I was there for so many years and I was used to be being part of the furniture there.

“But I am enjoying my new chapter, and hopefully I can keep affecting performances on the pitch and we can have a successful season. But right now I’m really enjoying being in Italy.”

“I’m starting to pick up things the manager is saying in Italian, and even with the players I’m lucky as quite a few of them speak English,” he said.

“I’m definitely picking up a lot of football phrases and a lot of basic phrases that are helping me interact with the team on and off the pitch.

“I am feeling very settled; my family is over here and the dogs are over here, so everyone is settled. When my family are happy and I am happy it shows on the pitch.”