Paulo Dybala admits he was “close to leaving” Juventus over the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United waiting.
They never did manage to agree personal terms or a transfer fee and Dybala has now become one of the best players in the Juve squad this season.
“I was close to leaving,” the Argentina international told The Guardian. “That was in the club’s thinking, I knew. Until the last minute, we were waiting.”
Paulo Dybala admits he was “close to leaving” Juventus over the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United waiting.
They never did manage to agree personal terms or a transfer fee and Dybala has now become one of the best players in the Juve squad this season.
“I was close to leaving,” the Argentina international told The Guardian. “That was in the club’s thinking, I knew. Until the last minute, we were waiting.”
A move is not going to happen in January, but could he try again for the Premier League in future?
“I have two years left on my contract. That’s not a short time but it’s not a long one either. We’ll see what plans Juventus have, if they think I might leave in the next market or if they want me to stay.
“That’s a decision for the club to make. It’s hard to know because things change in a second. But I’m here, at a club that has treated me well; I’m happy, comfortable.
“[Maurizio] Sarri’s arrival has helped. He wanted me to stay, which gave me strength when we didn’t know what would happen. I knew he could teach me, help me bring out the best in myself.”
La Joya already has 11 goals and seven assists this season and is relishing Sarri’s quick-passing approach after years of Max Allegri.
“Without the ball, I get bored. If I go a long time without a touch, it’s like I’m lost, I lose track of the game. I’m fortunate to be in a team that wants possession, where everybody is technically good, with so many players high up the pitch, lots of opportunities to get on the ball.
“You’re not thinking: ‘I’ve got one, maybe two chances per game, I have to do something good.’ No. You lose the ball and get it back again. [Miralem] Pjanic gets more than 120 touches per game.”