Chris Smalling admits he has a "tough decision" to make on his future.

The Manchester United defender is enjoying a successful loan spell with Italian giants Roma.

And the Englishman says he is considering a permanent move to Italy.

Smalling said: "When I first came it was exciting but also daunting because you're not sure what to expect.

"New country, new experience. But considering the way I've settled in, the love that I have felt, especially from the fans but everyone in Rome, it will be an interesting decision to make.

"Some of the other players said if you really hit the ground running, the love that you can have in this city is unbelievable. That's really what I've felt and so have my family. Long may it continue."

Asked if was surprised about Roma not including a buy-back clause in the loan deal, Smalling added: "Not really.

"Even when I spoke to them, it was a case of 'let's have a good season, hopefully it all goes to plan, the team is successful and I am successful' and at the end of the season we'll sit down.

"That was the plan at the start of the season and obviously we're not finished yet so come the end of the season we'll see what the plan is.

"I spoke to [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer]… Over the previous years, I had been used to playing in nearly every game when fit.

"So to cut that in half, when you look around at other opportunities, there was nothing better than [Roma] that could have come up.

"We spoke openly and we made it happen."