Porto signing Smalling says he wants to create “another two or three memorable moments” with the club after recalling the five highlights of his career.
The defender was invited to choose his most significant experiences for Porto’s social media channels and spoke of his ambition to add to the list in future major matches.
Smalling began with his Premier League debut for Fulham, which came against Everton in the final match of the 2008-09 season.
“I’ll try to do this chronologically,” he said. “The first one is probably my Premier League debut for Fulham. I remember back then I was a young player traveling with the team, the 19th man in the squad, and not always making the bench.
“Making my debut in the last game of the 2008/09 season against Everton was really special. I was only 19 then, and all the hard work finally paid off.”
His second choice was his first derby goal for Manchester United. Smalling said he had been fortunate to score in several derby matches, but that his first remained especially significant.
“The second is my first derby goal after joining Manchester United,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to score a few goals in derbies, but the first one always feels particularly special. I hope to score a few more in big matches in the future.”
Smalling then selected his first Premier League title, won during his debut season at Manchester United in 2010/11.
“Next is my first Premier League title, which was in my first season at Manchester United, the 2010/11 season,” he said. “I went there as a kid, just hoping to get a few games. As it turned out, I played quite a bit that season, and we ended up winning the title.
“The year before, I was still watching title celebrations like that from my room. That moment felt like a dream.”
His first international goal was another of the moments he highlighted. Smalling scored for England against Portugal at Wembley.
“Also, my first goal for England, coincidentally against Portugal,” he said. “That was at Wembley, a beautiful moment.”
The fifth entry was the Europa Conference League triumph he achieved with Roma. Smalling said the celebrations in the Italian capital had strengthened his desire to experience something similar in Porto.
“Finally, winning the Europa Conference League with Roma. The scenes, the celebrations… I saw Porto’s celebrations last season, and it reminded me of what it was like in Roma,” he said.
“I know what football means to the city of Roma, and I can feel the same atmosphere here in Porto. That’s a major reason why I chose to come here.
“Experiencing the whole city celebrating togetherI want to experience that again. I’m confident I can create another two or three memorable moments here to add to this list.”
