Chris Smalling is a free agent after leaving Al-Fayha Club following two years in the Saudi Pro League
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling is weighing up a move to what would be his sixth club(Image: PA)
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Former Manchester United centre‑back Chris Smalling is looking for a new club after leaving Saudi outfit Al‑Fayha and becoming a free agent. He has returned to the UK and is focused on finding a new team that fits what he describes as 'the right kind of project.'
The 36‑year‑old departed the Saudi Pro League after two seasons and 67 appearances, insisting he still has plenty to offer. Speaking on talkSPORT with Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour, Smalling opened up about his future and revealed that clubs from a wide range of leagues have already made their pitch to sign him.
"At the minute, there's conversations ongoing," he said. "I've had some offers, so I feel like I'm in a good position.
"But at my stage in my career, it's now about being patient, making sure it's the right kind of project that fits everything in terms of my role in the team and what I can bring on and off the pitch.
"I'm in a nice position and just kind of seeing where that lies over the next couple of weeks."
Despite amassing more than 580 appearances throughout his career, Smalling previously admitted football never even featured on his radar while growing up.
"It wasn't even plan D," the defender told the BBC. "I had everything set out. I already had my A levels, and I was looking at other non-league clubs near Leicester because I still wanted to play."
Everything changed when Fulham offered him a contract after Roy Hodgson spotted him in a practice match. "It wasn't even a full week," he added.
"I didn't have any time to get my head around it. I was just in total shock."
Sir Alex Ferguson subsequently convinced him to sign for Manchester United in 2011. "He told me I would get a chance and he believed in me," the defender recalled of their initial meeting.
"To be able to share the dressing room and the pitch and have conversations with him is just incredible."
United acquired Smalling for £7.2million from Fulham, and he went on to make over 300 appearances for the club, claiming two Premier League titles and three further major honours during a decade at Old Trafford.