'GUTTED'
Chris Smalling returns to Man Utd after failing to agree loan transfer extension to finish Roma’s Europa League campaign
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CHRIS SMALLING has confirmed he will return to Manchester United from Roma and won't play in the Serie A side's remaining Europa League games.
The centre-back has been on loan with the Italians since last summer and was desperate to extend his stay in Rome.
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But the two clubs failed to come to an agreement.
Roma face Sevilla in the Europa League last-16 on Thursday and Smalling's departure is a huge blow for both him and the club.
The 30-year-old tweeted: "I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season.
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"To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten.
"I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA!"
Despite Smalling's disappointment, Ole Gunner Solskjaer has opened the door for a return to United's first team.
He said: "I think Chris has shown over his career how valuable he is for Manchester United.
“This season has been about him playing regularly and in going to Roma he has shown how good a centre-back he is.
“Now he is coming back having shown this season that he will be valuable. I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout and been delighted with his season."
United resume their European campaign against LASK tomorrow.
Talks are thought to have been ongoing for months over making Smalling's Roma loan deal permanent.
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But they hit a roadblock as United refused to budge on their £18million transfer demand.
Roma would only stump up £16m for the 31-cap England international, who had lost his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.
The defender has turned his career around in Rome and was even dubbed "Smalldini" this season in reference to Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.
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