European return for ex-Red Smalling

Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is back in Europe, after he signed for FC Porto on a free transfer.

Smalling played for the Reds on over 300 occasions, scoring 18 goals.

He won the Premier League twice during his time at Old Trafford, and also collected Emirates FA Cup, UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup medals.

The centre-back initially departed on loan, joining Roma for the 2019/20 season and making that move permanent at the start of the following term.

Chris lifted the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League title with the Giallorossi, while playing under former United boss Jose Mourinho, and was a firm fan favourite in the Italian capital.

For the last two seasons he has represented Al-Fayha, in Saudi Arabia, but the 36-year-old has now started a new chapter in his career, as he is Portugal-bound.

Smalling has joined the Estadio do Dragao outfit on a deal until the end of the season.

Francesco Farioli's side have won all seven of their Primeira Liga titles so far, as they seek to defend their crown, and Smalling will return to England in December when Porto face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.