Dybala at Roma press conference: Juventus’ decision not to renew

Paulo Dybala said Juventus reneged on an agreement to renew his contract as he was not part of their future plans.

Argentina forward’s seven-year spell with the club came to an end last season when his contract expired and he joined Roma as a free agent.

Asked about his contract situation with Juventus during his unveiling press conference at Roma, Dybala said: “Director [Maurizio] Arrivabene was very clear in his comments.

“We had an agreement to sign in October, the club then asked us to wait. In March we got word from the club that I was no longer part of their project moving forward.

“It wasn’t a financial issue, it was a non-issue, the club decided to another road alongside the manager [Massimiliano Allegri]. I spoke with everyone and that’s how it went.

“If it was their choice it’s not a problem for me.”

Dybala was heavily linked with Inter throughout the summer but instead moved to Roma and he said coach José Mourinho was a key factor in his decision.

He added: “My first question to Mourinho was what could we win. I like to win but there are some reference points we saw last season.

“There is the manager’s knowledge and the faith from the players, while understand each other in training. This is very important in achieving the objective.

“I will try to give my all to continue to win.”

Dybala also confirmed he spoke to Roma legend Francesco Totti at a charity match earlier in the summer and that the idea of joining the Giallorossi was broached, while the 28-year-old also elaborated on his decision not to take the iconic No. 10 jersey.

He said: “We saw each other at [Samuel] Eto’o’s match, we spoke in the dressing room but there were no guarantees.

“He spoke fondly to me about Roma but we did not speak again.”

On the No. 10 shirt, he added: “The most important thing for me, and I’ve always said it, is that we know who the last person to wear it was.

“There is respect, it is an important shirt for the fans, the No. 21 is very important, for the national team, for what I had at beginning when I started winning with Juventus.

“Who knows in the future but right now I am very happy with the No. 21.”

Dybala also said he would not celebrate if he scored against Juventus.