Roma defender, Chris Smalling, can’t wait to face Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final. ‘This trouble would really change the landscape.’
The first leg is at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
It’s an extra special game for Smalling, who was on loan from Manchester United and made the move permanent in October for a reported €15m.
A homecoming he's been waiting for! @ChrisSmalling is looking forward to being back at Old Trafford… 🔜#ASRoma #UEL #ManUtdRoma pic.twitter.com/PAoWF1G7zx
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) April 28, 2021
“Coming up against my old team, old friends, would be fantastic meeting them. Even last year, obviously, I couldn’t play in the latter stages, but I was still hoping we’d play against them,” the England international told Roma TV, while playing ping-pong.
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“It’s the semi-final, we’ve got a difficult team to overcome, but it’s great to be so close to a trophy that I know would really change the landscape here and boost us to kick on.”
Smalling wasn’t allowed to play in the Europa League Round of 16 last August because Manchester United refused to extend the loan period, even though he hadn’t been able to play when the season was paused due to the pandemic.
Negotiations between the clubs to agree a permanent transfer also dragged on until practically deadline day.