Chris Smalling has revealed his desire to play in a foreign country was behind his decision to swap Manchester United for Roma.
The 30-year-old centre-back completed a season-long loan switch to the Italian capital club last summer and has been lauded for his performances in Serie A.
After almost a decade at Old Trafford, where he arrived at 2010 when Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge, it has been a move that has broadened Smalling's horizons.
He revealed why he was soon keen to play abroad in an interview with The Times. “Some English players have gone abroad but not many," said Smalling. "It was a challenge that I wanted to take.
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