Chris Smalling endures nightmare Saudi Pro League debut, it's up there with the worst ever

Chris Smalling had a Saudi Pro League debut to forget as he made his bow for Al Fayha and it's up there with some of the worst.

Former Manchester United defender Smalling left Europe this summer after departing Italian side Roma following five seasons for the Serie A outfit.

The 34-year-old moved to the Old Trafford club in 2010 from Fulham and scored 18 goals across 323 appearances at United.

Smalling won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and the Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.

The central defender moved to Roma, initially on loan in 2019, before the move was made permanent.

Smalling scored 10 goals in 155 games during his time in the Italian capital, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022.

But the former England defender, who won 31 caps for the Three Lions, recently put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Saudi Pro League team Al Fayha.

Upon leaving Roma, on social media Smalling said: "It has been an absolute privilege to experience that passion and support week-in week-out for the last 5 seasons.

"On arriving in Rome in 2019, my family and I were greeted with kindness and warmth. You immediately made Rome feel like home. With the birth of my son, the city will forever hold a special place in my heart.

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"As all great chapters come to an end, it is now time for me to say goodbye. My love and admiration for AS Roma will live on forever."

On Saturday night, Smalling made his Saudi Pro League debut for his new club Al Fayha but it proved to be a nightmare bow for his new side.

Al Fayha took on Al Raed and the hosts suffered a 5-0 thrashing, with Smalling's role in the encounter being netting an own goal and receiving a red card.

The former United central defender broke the deadlock in the sixth minute, but not in the way he would have wanted as he put a low cross into his own net.

Al Fayha were 3-0 down by half-time - and Smalling's contribution to the game came to an end not long in the second half as he was shown a straight red card for stopping a goalscoring chance.

Smalling's debut is reminiscent of Jonathan Woodgate's debut for Real Madrid back in 2005, who himself netted an own goal and was sent off against Athletic Bilbao.

Things can only improve from now on for Smalling in Saudi Arabia.