Chris Smalling, a former Premier League winner with Manchester United, has returned to England to find a new club. The 36-year-old defender was released by Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha and aims to continue his playing career in his homeland.
Smalling spent two years in Saudi Arabia, making 64 appearances and scoring two goals for Al-Fayha. He previously played for Manchester United for a decade, from 2010 to 2019, where he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Europa League. He also earned 31 caps for the England national team.
His career took a different path after leaving Manchester United for AS Roma in Italy in 2019, initially on loan. After his spell in Italy, he moved to Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Smalling emphasized his commitment to his fitness and longevity in the sport. "I know my body now better than when I was 26 and that's shown in the games I'm playing," he told BBC Sport. He detailed his approach to training and recovery, including genetic testing to optimize his supplement intake. "When you get beyond 30, each year is precious in terms of enjoying playing and being passionate about football."
While he is also involved in educational projects, Smalling stated that his focus remains on playing football due to his continued passion and strong physical condition. His career began in non-league football with Maidstone before moving to Fulham and then Manchester United.