Paulo Dybala opened up about his future at Roma, his relationship with Jose Mourinho and the differences between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 30-year-old Argentinian forward has continued to be a key figure for the Giallorossi this term, directly contributing to 15 goals across 23 appearances. Whilst he is an important creative outlet in the squad, his struggles with match fitness continue to disrupt the course of his season.
Doubts have started to be raised about Dybala’s future at Roma considering the club’s difficult campaign, with Mourinho being replaced by Daniele De Rossi last month. His current contract with the club expires in June 2025.
Speaking to Al Arabi Al Jadeed via Calciomercato.com, Dybala first discussed De Rossi’s appointment at Roma.
“He was a Roma icon as a player and now he is fully committed to his new role. He is transmitting his ideas, and it is truly exciting to work with him.
“I want to give my best for this team and for the fans who welcomed me in an incredible way. I would like to get a positive result and reach the Champions League this year.”
The Argentine star was asked about his future in the Italian capital.
“At the moment, my future is the next match, and then we’ll see what happens. But I play for Roma, and I see myself with Roma.”
He reflected on his time with Mourinho.
“Working with Mourinho was exciting and represented significant growth for me. We are talking about a coach who has done a lot in his career, without a doubt he used his experience and helped me grow as a player.
“Honestly, I don’t I know what the future holds for him, but I’m sure he will continue at a top club.”
Dybala also spoke about his time with Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus.
“Being coached by him was fundamental in my career at two different times. When I arrived at Juventus from Palermo, I was very young and I joined a team with extraordinary players like Buffon, Chiellini, and many other champions like Tevez, Higuain and then Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I was young, but I matured quickly, and I learned a lot from Allegri and my teammates. They were wonderful years, in which we achieved a lot.
“The second time I was more mature, and we worked differently, but always with that added value that Allegri brings with him, always wanting to win and working for victory.”
He spoke positively about the Saudi Pro League and their increasing emergence in football.
“The growth of the Saudi league in the last two years has been incredible, both in terms of players and clubs, but also in terms of the quality of the game. I watched several matches on TV, and I was impressed both by the level of play and from the passion of the fans, with stadiums always full.
“Football is really loved by the younger generations. Furthermore, many of my Argentine teammates play there, and they often speak highly of it. Playing the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia was clearly a new experience for me.
“I had never been to Saudi Arabia, and it was a very positive experience. I was already struck by the fans’ passion for football and their dedication to the sport.
“But at the moment I play for Roma, and I imagine myself at Roma. The Saudi league is certainly one of the most important, together with the MLS and European leagues.”
Dybala discussed the differences between playing with Messi and Ronaldo.
“From Ronaldo I learned dedication to sport, this attitude towards victory. However, playing with Lionel Messi was my childhood dream. Messi is a continuous inspiration, for us who are lucky enough to see him at our next to the pitch.
“It’s a joy that I’ll never forget, having shared the World Cup with him. As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he is a champion. Playing together with him was wonderful for me, but it was also a way to learn from his dedication and, above all, his constant desire to win and improve.
“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s doing well in Saudi Arabia too. In any case he, Messi and Higuain were my three favourite teammates.”
Finally, Dybala commented on how he’d like to be remembered.
“As a talented player who always tried to give everything on the pitch. But I would also like to be remembered as a player capable of inspiring the beauty of football to older generations, young people, capable of being an example to follow on and off the pitch.
“This would be the most important thing.”