26 Facts About Chris Smalling

1.

Christopher Lloyd Smalling was born on 22 November 1989 and is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Roma.

2.

However, shortly after joining Middlesbrough, Chris Smalling had his contract with the club cancelled after raising concerns over homesickness.

3.

Chris Smalling made his professional debut with them in May 2009 and helped them reach the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final the following season.

4.

In January 2010, Chris Smalling signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United and joined them officially in July 2010.

5.

Chris Smalling made his competitive debut in the 2010 FA Community Shield victory over Chelsea, which earned him his first career medal.

6.

Chris Smalling went on to make more than 300 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, a UEFA Europa League and a further two Community Shields.

7.

Chris Smalling was signed by Roma in 2019, where he won the UEFA Conference League in his third season.

8.

Chris Smalling represented the England Schools under-18 team in early 2008, before making his debut for the national under-20 and under-21 teams in 2009.

9.

Chris Smalling made his senior international debut in September 2011 and has appeared at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.

10.

Chris Smalling was a schoolboy national Judo champion, and finished second in an international competition.

11.

Chris Smalling impressed and quickly established himself as a vital part of Maidstone United's back line; however, injury and international duty restricted his appearances.

12.

Chris Smalling was made captain of the club's Development Squad by manager Billy McKinlay.

13.

On 8 July 2011, Chris Smalling signed a new five-year contract with United.

14.

The new season saw Chris Smalling adapt to a new role, as early injuries to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand allowed Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and new signing Phil Jones to replace them.

15.

Nine days later, Chris Smalling signed a new contract with Manchester United, keeping him at the club until June 2019.

16.

On 2 May 2016, Chris Smalling won the Manchester United Players' Player of the Year award.

17.

On 15 December, Chris Smalling signed a new contract with Manchester United, keeping him at the club until June 2022.

18.

At the age of 17 and studying for his A Levels, Chris Smalling was selected to represent his county, and the Kent Schools' Football Association then nominated him for trials for the England Schoolboy international squad.

19.

Chris Smalling's trial was successful, and Smalling was selected to represent England Schools against Australia in January 2008.

20.

Chris Smalling scored his first goal for the under-21s on 8 October 2010, against Romania, in England's 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification play-off first leg, converting from inside the area after an assist from Daniel Sturridge.

21.

On 12 May 2014, Chris Smalling was named in England's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

22.

On 31 May 2016, Chris Smalling was named in England's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016.

23.

Chris Smalling was dropped by England manager Gareth Southgate in November 2017, as Southgate felt players such as John Stones, Harry Maguire and Eric Dier were better at initiating the play.

24.

In June 2017, Chris Smalling married model Sam Cooke near Lake Como, Italy.

25.

Chris Smalling had cut out red meat prior to becoming vegan.

26.

Chris Smalling has promoted the vegan diet and kindness to animals through advertisements for PETA.