Mourinho, Ferguson & search for new club - what next for Smalling?
Snubbing university, genetics testing for supplements, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho - Chris Smalling is not your ordinary footballer.
Chris Smalling, the former Manchester United and Roma centre-back, has been vocal about his relationship with former managers Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson. The pair first met at Manchester United between 2016 and 2018, with Mourinho publicly criticizing Smalling for playing through an injury. Despite the public criticism, the pair maintained a strong relationship, with Mourinho sending Smalling good luck messages upon his appointment at Real Madrid in 2021.
Smalling credits Ferguson and Mourinho for creating belief in him as a senior player, allowing him to push through injuries and perform at the highest level. Now, at 36 years old, Smalling is focusing on finding a new club and has plans for a post-playing career, including an education program for young players.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
