Roma Sporting Director Tiago Pinto feels that the Giallorossi are keen to extend the contract of defender Chris Smalling, but that an effort must also come from the player.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, Pinto explained that as far as he and the club are concerned, they are now waiting for the Englishman to make his decision.
Smalling’s situation at Roma, where he is into the final season of his contract, has aroused significant transfer interest.
Inter are one of the main clubs keeping tabs on the 33-year-old.
The capital club are still hoping that they can keep hold of Smalling, as he remains an important player for them.
However, Roma are also aware of the possible risk of losing the former Manchester United defender on a free transfer, and they know that it will ultimately be up to the player.
“We want to keep him, but he has to give us an answer,” Pinto said.
“He has a release clause,” he continued.
“We paid him €15 million for him plus add-ons,” he added, “and he receives a salary of €4 million net per season.”
Pinto noted that “Roma have invested a lot in him, waiting patiently for him during injuries.”
“He knows that we care about him.”
