Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is eager to get started for Roma.

Smalling admits learning Italian will be a key to any success.

“You do see very few English players going abroad and those that do are largely good players otherwise they wouldn't have gone," he told The Telegraph.

“But I feel a lot of their downfall is in the language. On the pitch you can learn the different basics of 'left', 'right' and 'behind you' but off the pitch you want to have that influence around the team.

“We will be traveling together as a team so it is important to communicate as much as I can. That helps me be more comfortable around my teammates. It makes the experience a lot better.

“Maybe where some English players are not fully committed to the language, off the pitch it is a big divide. By learning I can bring us closer and get to know them as soon as I can."