Renny Smith's special story: Alexis Sanchez's cabin mate

When English expressions keep flying across the pitch at Girlaner Rungghof during FC Südtirol training, it's usually about Renny Smith. “I speak a little Italian, but I hear the important things in English,” says the 20-year-old from London.

His British accent is typically English, but not necessarily the way he plays. Smith is considered technically adept, always knows where the next ball will be before the ball sticks between his legs and is also well-adjusted tactically. “In England football is much more physical than in Italy. “But I prefer intelligent and technically strong players; my role models are Ronaldinho, Iniesta or Alexis Sanchez,” said Smith.

“Arsene Wenger is a person of respect” Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez is a good keyword. Smith grew up playing football at Chelsea FC before moving to London rivals Arsenal at the age of 16. “At the 'Blues' I played in the central defender position, but I see myself as a midfielder. That's why I joined Arsenal." A move that paid off. Smith played as a half wing or defensive player in the control center of the field, first played for the U-18, later for the U-23 and was also allowed to train with the professionals a few times. "A special experience. Players like Jack Wilshere or Alexis Sanchez are relaxed guys and class players. And coach Arsene Wenger is an icon. The training sessions were always led by his assistant coach and he stood as an observer on the sidelines - a person of respect with whom I only exchanged a few words of greeting.

Nevertheless, the Englishman could not stay in his motherland much longer. “I wanted to play in a first team – and as a young player in England you only have a few options. The clubs have an enormous amount of money and therefore prefer to sign well-known players. That's why, like many of my teammates, I went abroad and moved to GAIS Göteborg in the Swedish second division for a season two years ago."

From Sweden to FC Südtirol An experience that greatly helped Smith as a person, as he was completely on his own for a year. In terms of football, the Swedish league was not the crème de la crème. That's why it was a good thing that an offer from Italy came in last summer and Smith was soon introduced in the Vicenza Calcio jersey. After two Serie B appearances, he was loaned out to Mantova in the Lega Pro in the winter, where he impressed with one goal and one assist in 13 games and aroused the interest of FC Südtirol.

Today the Englishman has settled in well in South Tyrol. “The only thing I miss a bit is the English breakfast,” jokes the midfielder, who lives in Kaltern and also has an Austrian passport. “My grandfather comes from Vienna, which is why I have Austrian citizenship,” said Smith, who has already made three appearances in the youth national teams of the Alpine countries. “I hope that there will be a few more,” smiles the Londoner. But first he wants to cause a sensation with FC Südtirol - ideally on the first matchday this evening.

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Renny Smith's special story: Alexis Sanchez's cabin mate

Growing up at Chelsea and Arsenal, playing in Sweden, also playing for Austria's youth national team and now at FC Südtirol - yes, Renny Smith's story is everything, just not normal.

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