London fan club president reflects on Smalling's return

We spoke to the president of the Lupi di Londra fan club to get his perspective on what it means to have Chris Smalling back playing for the Giallorossi...

Roberto Marroni is the president of the Lupi di Londra ('Wolves of London') fan club, which counts around 150 Giallorossi fans among its membership.

All of them reside in or around the English capital - where Marroni, 49, has himself resided for almost two decades now.

"Before I had kids, at least once a month I would take a flight early in the morning to go and watch a game at the Olimpico," Marroni said. "And in the evening I'd fly back to England."

What were your feelings when you heard Chris Smalling had signed for Roma permanently?

“Here in London we were all delighted. I had not expected a season as good as the one Smalling had last term - with such strong performances, where he showed all his leadership qualities."

Manchester United fans all seemed to wish Chris well - but there was some regret about his departure there too.

“Especially in light of United's recent results, they were wondering why the club would let a player like Smalling go. Right now the club's defence is not exactly overflowing with great defenders."

How much are Roma strengthened by securing Smalling?

“A lot. With the three-man defence now we have four players worthy of starting games. Having Chris means we are well-covered now at that position.

"And then beyond that he brings experience: Smalling can really help Roger Ibanez and Marash Kumbulla develop. With his return Roma are strengthened in terms of their character too, as much as on the playing side."

Smalling wrote in a post: “My home is your home”. Were you surprised by this declaration of love from Chris for the club?

“I really was. When they can, English players usually chose to stay in England. They think the Premier League is the best league in the world. So I was really struck by this desire to come back to Italy.

"I think he was probably influenced a bit by all the love he felt from the Roma fans. And perhaps the beauty of Rome as a city too."

Which former Roma player would you compare Smalling too?

“He's not outstanding on the ball, but he is brilliant in the air and fast too. While Ibanez reminds me a bit of Pietro Vierchowod, I see Smalling more as a bit of a mix between Zago and Walter Samuel."

Away from the pitch, your fan club was active in the community during the lockdown. Can you explain a bit about what you did?

“For a year now we have had a charity that looks to help children in need, some of whom don't even have anything to eat at times.

"So we created and delivered special packages for them, which contained a ball, some cones and some drills to practice. During the lockdown we donated them to families living in some deprived areas."

Were you inspired in some ways by the work the club was doing in Rome during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic?

“Absolutely. Especially by the Roma trucks that went around the city, helping some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

"Roma did something amazing. It was a noble initiative, which really showed the true spirit of Roma fans."