Paulo Dybala reveals what he was thinking during his hat-trick against Torino and his future at Roma. ‘I feel like I already lived another life in this city.’
La Joya seemed exhausted during extra time of Thursday’s Europa League play-off with Feyenoord, which was eventually decided by a penalty shoot-out.
However, he was on sparkling form this evening with the first Serie A hat-trick since October 2018, sweeping Torino aside 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It had been a long time since managed to take the match-ball home and I really wanted it,” Dybala told DAZN.
“I had gone close against Cagliari, but the coach took me off. I wasn’t madly looking for the hat-trick, but it came and I am happy.”
He converted a penalty, curled a long-range stunner into the far bottom corner and then combined with Romelu Lukaku to beat Vanja Milinkovic-Savic from the tightest of angles.
La Joya leapt into the arms of Daniele De Rossi on the touchline to celebrate the second goal.
“It was a difficult moment of the match, because Torino cause you problems. You are forced to play in a different way, they had equalised quickly and the game could’ve turned in any direction.
“I felt like shooting and fortunately it went into the net. I ran towards the bench and the first person there was him.
“On the third goal, I shot and was already close to the Curva Sud, so I kept running towards the fans. I want to thank them, because even on a Monday early evening they still packed the stadium.
“The ball is going to my mother, she gets angry if I don’t send them to her.”
Roma risked fatigue after Thursday’s Europa League play-off with Feyenoord, which ended 1-1 just like the first leg and had to be decided after extra time by a penalty shoot-out.
They are into the Round of 16, where they will face Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton and Hove Albion.
“I always want to win trophies, but there is a long way to go. We will meet many more difficult teams. We know what our objectives are and are working every day to achieve them.”
The main one is qualifying for the Champions League and under De Rossi they are edging closer to that barrier.
Much has been said about the release clause in Dybala’s contract, so does he see himself staying for a long time?
“I said when I first arrived that it felt like I’d already lived another life in this city. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I do know that I am enjoying every moment here with the fans and my teammates.”