Manchester United defender Chris Smalling sees Chelsea captain John Terry as a role model.

He admits to being surprised by Chelsea's decision to allow John Terry to leave in the summer.

Smalling told the Sunday Express: “He's been a class performer and no doubt he's definitely got more years in the locker.

“It's not just the way he leads the team but the way he reads the game. He never had that blistering pace but he didn't need it as he's always been in the right situation and it is the way he gets other players to work around him which has enabled him to have such a great career.

“I'd put him right up there. I don't know who would be one and two on any list but anyone who wanted to be a centre-half would say John Terry is a role model. Every centre-half around would agree with that, and I would as well."