Manchester United defender Chris Smalling insisted that he wanted to stay at Old Trafford, but was happy to wait until summer before opening negotiations over a new deal, according to the Daily Mail.
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The former Fulham and Maidstone man is enjoying life under Louis van Gaal, after playing the past five games for Manchester United, and can’t see himself joining another club at any point in the near future despite rumours of Arsenal interest.
He said, “I am enjoying it. I always have, and if I can contribute then I am happy to stay for as long as they want me.”
When asked if he was happy to wait until the end of the season to open contract discussions, Smalling replied, “Yeah, and finish as strong as we can.
“If I can contribute as much as I can then I will be very happy.
“I have not even really discussed it with anyone.
“It’s a case of the manager showing his faith in me and if I am playing I am happy and we have another eight games to finish as strong as we can.
“There aren’t any negotiations (under way) that I am aware of. I don’t really take care of that.”
Like the defender, England manager Roy Hodgson has had questions asked about his long term future, with his contract expiring at the end of Euro 2016.
Smalling, who was signed for Fulham from Maidstone by Hodgson, said he wanted to see the 67-year-old continue.
“Ever since I have worked with Roy, he has shown faith in all the players, especially the younger players,” he said.
“We have all enjoyed training with him and obviously he is focusing on until next summer. I would be very happy to work with him for a longer period.”
Smalling was speaking at a press conference before the England squad jet off to Turin ahead of their friendly against Italy on Tuesday night, following their 4-0 win against Lithuania at Wembley to maintain their 100% post-World Cup record.
The defender believes the Three Lions are now a team which countries around the world will be frightened of, saying, “‘A lot of teams will be frightened and hopefully on Tuesday we will show that.
I think we are on the verge of something special. We are winning games. We are being ruthless and we are really together.”