Former Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling is a free agent after leaving Saudi club Al-Fayha, and he has returned to the UK to find a new team that matches what he calls 'the right kind of project.'
Departure after two seasons in Saudi
The 36-year-old left 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 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."
Unexpected path to football
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."
Manchester United years
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 £7.2 million 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.
