Chris Smalling on Jose Mourinho and the Euros Italian banterChris Smalling was "surprised" and "excited" by Jose Mourinho's appointment as Roma manager ever though he knew it meant their uneasy relationship at Manchester United would be dragged up. Yet much of the focus has been around a disagreement between the pair over Smalling's willingness to play through pain. Surprise appointmentChris Smalling played for Roma in their Europa League semi-final defeat by former club Manchester United last seasonLike many observers, Smalling was caught off guard by Mourinho's appointment on a three-year contract. "It was quite a surprise to a lot of us, but there was initial excitement from everyone," said Smalling. "I knew I would have to face the music," said Smalling, who played 31 times for his country.

Source: BBC July 16, 2021 08:37 UTC