Mourinho, Ferguson & search for new club - what next for Smalling?

What the report says

Chris Smalling is weighing his next move after returning to the north west of England with his family, as the former Manchester United and Roma defender looks for a new club. In a BBC Sport Football interview, Smalling reflected on a career that has taken him from non-league Maidstone to major honours with United and Roma, along with 31 England caps, and said he still feels physically able to continue playing.

The article said the 36-year-old is proud of the way he has adapted his training, diet and recovery over time, including taking blood tests and having genetics testing to tailor his supplements. He also spoke about how Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho influenced him, describing both managers as figures who helped senior players feel trusted and motivated. Smalling said he remains in contact with Mourinho and values the relationship he had with both managers during his career.

Smalling also revisited the unusual path that led him into football, explaining that he had once planned to go to university to study financial economics before Fulham offered him a contract. BBC Sport reported that he sees this as a risk that paid off, and that he is still focused on playing rather than moving into coaching. Beyond football, he is working on education projects for young players, including a programme with the Global Institute of Sport, and wants to stay involved in initiatives beyond his playing career.