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After being linked to clubs like Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Tottenham, Argentina star Paulo Dybala signed a free transfer from Juventus to Roma in July.
Paulo Dybala has disclosed that Jose Mourinho’s few minutes on the phone with him ultimately convinced him to join Roma.
The 28-year-old Argentine international has had a successful start to life in the Italian city after signing a three-year contract with Roma in July.
In six Serie A outings, he has scored three goals and provided two assists. This season, he has also scored once in the Europa League.
Before joining Roma, Dybala was connected to a number of teams, including Arsenal, Tottenham, and Inter Milan, but Mourinho persuaded him to join his team.
Following the expiration of his contract with Serie A rivals Juventus, he became free to join another team.
During his seven-year stay with Juventus, Dybala won 12 trophies, including five Serie A championships.
The former Palermo playmaker scored 115 goals in 293 games and assisted them in reaching the 2017 Champions League final, which they lost to Real Madrid 3-1 in Cardiff.
However, his performance declined as his tenure at Juventus drew to a close, as he managed just five goals in the 2020–21 season.
He found his form again in Turin’s last season, scoring 15 goals, and he’s been producing for Mourinho’s club ever since.
Four points adrift of early leaders Napoli and Atalanta, in sixth place in Serie A, are the inaugural Europa Conference League champions.
Roma didn’t splash too much cash over the summer, and Mourinho is hopeful that Dybala can turn into their guiding star this season.
When Dybala joined Roma in July, thousands of fans lined the streets of the Italian capital to welcome him, leaving supporters of rival teams in awe of Roma’s great support.
Dybala told ESPN Argentina, “The last few years at Juventus weren’t easy. A change did me well.” Mourinho called, and I made a choice shortly after.
He and the director both chatted with me about the project and their ambition to keep winning, as they did the previous year.
By praising Dybala after a Serie A game the previous season, Mourinho further attracted Dybala to Roma.
According to Dybala: “When Juventus and I were winning 4-3 in Rome, the coach removed me from the team.
I was greeted by Mourinho, who stated, ‘You are a phenomenon,’ as he approached the bench. ”
“I still remember this incident, although I was unable to predict Juventus’ decision to renew at the time.
He asked me whether I remembered that incident when he initially phoned me. Of course, how could I forget? I responded. It was a privilege.
‘Well, now you have to do it for me,’ he then stated. In the days that followed, he also called, and I had no trouble making a choice.
Working with him is simple. He knows every player, from the best to the third string, so we can discuss anything.”
