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September 9, 2024

Smalling Thrilled to Shine with RSL – Saudi Pro League

New signing Chris Smalling is filled with anticipation as he gears up to debut in the Roshn Saudi League 2024 this weekend. Having recently joined Al Fayha, Smalling is determined to showcase his skills and demonstrate his value to the team. His upcoming debut marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career, and he is enthusiastic about the opportunity to significantly impact the pitch for his new club.

The 34-year-old former Manchester United and England defender, Chris Smalling, signed with Al Majma’ah last week after completing a deadline-day transfer from AS Roma. During his five-year tenure with Roma, Smalling appeared in 155 matches and scored 10 goals. Before that, he was a key player in two Premier League title-winning teams with Manchester United and has earned 31 caps for England.

As he adjusts to his new environment, Smalling is set to play for Al Fayha on Saturday, when they face Al Raed at Al Majma’ah Sports City. This match marks the return of the 2024-25 RSL season with Matchweek 3 following the FIFA international break.

“I’m very excited to have a new experience,” Smalling shared with Al Fayha’s official social media channel. “I’ve always welcomed new challenges, and this is this is my next one after England and Italy.”

“And especially over the last year, the league has grown and grown and grown, especially with the amount of different international players coming into the league. So to be a part of that journey is very exciting.”

Smalling, who won the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League and was a runner-up in the subsequent UEFA Europa League with AS Roma, stated that discussions with Al Fayha manager Christos Kontis and the club’s leadership were crucial in his decision to move to the Kingdom.

“There was some discussions not long before I arrived, but also speaking to the manager at length in terms of his aspirations in how he wanted the team to play and also the president’s will as well to really push – he was working very hard to make it happen – so I felt all that want and really a desire to be a part of it ,” Smalling mentioned.

“And having spoken to some other players that recently came here, of their experience, especially with their families settling in, was really positive, and how they were finding the league in terms of each week coming up against totally different teams and strong teams. It was nice to hear that and reinforce that it was the right decision.”

Smalling will be familiar with several players in this season’s RSL. His former defensive partner at AS Roma, Roger Ibanez, joined Al Ahli last summer, and another ex-teammate, Georginio Wijnaldum, moved to Al Ettifaq during the same transfer window.

This summer, another familiar face from the Serie A side, Houssem Aouar, joined Al Ittihad as a key signing, moving from Rome to Jeddah.

“I had some options of where I wanted to go for the next challenge, but this was right at the top,” said said Smalling, who is excited to support Al Fayha in improving on their ninth-place finish from last season “And especially after I spoke to quite a few other players who are here, it felt right that this league is really growing.

“So to be able to be a part of that and also to help the club grow and beat the expectations of last season is a good challenge.”

When requested to provide a closing statement for the eager Al Fayha fans, Smalling said: “My message is you would have seen me play over the years, but I’m coming with 100 percent attitude and hopefully I’m going to repay that on the pitch.

“I can’t wait to see you at the stadium and to deliver good performances.”

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