Smalling on season restart, his advice for next generation, and more

The England international explained why he feels comfortable with the potential resumption of the Serie A season, his pride at being associated with Roma throughout the current pandemic - and the work he has got involved with recently in order to try and assist the next generation.

Here is some what Smalling had to say - you can read the full article here.

On the potential resumption of the season...

“We’ve all been at home, isolating, only going out as and when you need to. So to really change things up and start playing sport competitively with other people is going to worry everybody. You only want to step back into the training ground when you know all the measures have been taken care of and there’s the regular testing, all the measures [in place] of where you are changing, playing, mixing, whether eating there, going straight home, kits.

“I can understand everyone’s position if they’ve not got that full clarity. Everybody wants to be as informed as possible. Fortunately, here at Roma, I feel like they have that clarity. They’ve kept us in the loop. We had regular meetings with the CEO [Guido Fienga], talking about different measures, and keeping us up to date. That’s been very useful to know their discussions with the league and the doctors and they are relaying that straight back to us.

“That’s why I feel like a lot of players here are comfortable about coming back, knowing the different measures. [The various safety protocols have] all been listed, but if some players at some clubs who don’t have that all in place yet then I can understand them being a bit fearful until that’s put in place. I’d want the same as well.”

On Roma's activities during the current pandemic...

“Roma have a very big heart. I noticed that quickly here. Roma do help people a lot, they help a lot outside of the norm. That’s great. They really set an example, and other clubs have got on board. I’m very proud to be associated with Roma because of all their initiatives.”

On his experience so far in Italy...

“Some English players have gone abroad but not many. It was a challenge that I wanted to take. I’m someone who definitely lives by not having any regrets. I like new things maybe out of my comfort zone and show people that anything is possible.”

On social media critics...

“It definitely hurts. When you’re going through your own tough periods and you get criticism, rightly or wrongly, it’s always hard to take. Some people are just being spiteful, some are lashing out because they’ve got their own demons. Keyboard warriors just want to try to ruin someone’s day. You can’t hide away from the comments but I have a strong belief in myself.”

On his work with Football Beyond Borders...

“It overwhelmed me listening to the issues [some of the kids] raised, feelings, issues with the country, their appreciation of nature and just being outside because we’ve been isolated. Listening to them talking about mental health issues, the government, was truly inspiring. Performing in front of that class I don’t think I’d have had the courage to express myself like that when I was young. I held a lot of things in for a number of years.

“They see [my] success in the football world now but it’s about that journey. I want to show that anything’s possible, for them to dream big. If I can inspire them, that’s great. Lots of kids want to be footballers but my realisation never came until I was 19, 20. When I was growing up, a lot of your dreams can be dashed. You don’t think they’re even possible.

"If I can make sure these kids are open and talk and don’t let things fester and boil up, then a lot of these kids will be in a far better position than I was when I was younger. Sharing a problem is like halving it.”

On the advice he tries to impart...

“Everybody needs somebody to take a chance on them but ultimately it’s willpower. It’s having that vision: ‘This is what I want and I’m going to get it no matter what, even if my parents doubt me, even if my friends doubt me, even if society thinks I have no chance.’

"You could be going for a long time until you do get that lucky break so that willpower and drive keep you going. That’s something I try to stress to the kids. I don’t think you can get to the top without that belief. Even the very best get criticism.”