From the first exchange of a compelling 45-minute conversation, it’s plain that Smalling is no ordinary footballer.
In just three years he went from non-league Maidstone to a Champions League final. Now 36, he has made 580 club appearances across three countries, spent much of his career under Sir Alex Ferguson or Mourinho, earned 31 England caps, and won trophies with Manchester United and Roma.
That journey has brought Smalling and his family back to the north west of England as he weighs his next move.
He has ideas for life after playing, but right now his focus is on finding a new club.
“I understand my body far better than I did at 26, and that’s reflected in my performances,” he said.
“When I was younger, Sir Alex was bringing in certain things, like Ryan Giggs doing yoga.
“Once you’re past 30, every year is precious for enjoying the game and staying passionate about football.
“Actual training is a tiny part of it. Longevity and recovery start early—what I’m eating, what I’m doing between sessions, right down to my supplements.
“In pre-season we do blood tests and clubs make recommendations. I went a step further with genetic testing to dig deeper, and I ended up changing a lot of my supplements because of it.”
Smalling featured in every game for Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League last season, something he’s especially proud of.
His career isn’t finished. Yet 18 years ago, he never imagined he’d get anywhere near this far.
“It wasn’t even plan D,” he recalled.
“I was playing for Maidstone, but I was heading to university to study financial economics.
“I had everything mapped out. I’d done my A levels, and I was looking at other non-league clubs near Leicester because I still wanted to play.
“Late in the summer, the opportunity came up. I knew the odds of an offer were slim, but I had to give it everything.”
The offer came from Fulham. Roy Hodgson watched one practice game, called Smalling into his office, and offered him a contract.
“It wasn’t even a full week,” said Smalling. “I had no time to take it in. I was in complete shock.”
It wouldn’t be the last time Hodgson threw Smalling into a situation where there wasn’t much time to think.