More details are emerging over what prompted Paulo Dybala to suddenly change his mind and reject the €75m package from Al-Qadsiah to stay at Roma.
The player had said his goodbyes at the Trigoria training ground this afternoon, emptied out his locker and the flight was booked to take him and his family to Saudi Arabia for this new adventure, where he would be paid €25m per season over three years.
He even missed the photoshoot organised by the Lega Serie A, assuming he would not be part of the team.
However, to the surprise of absolutely everyone, he announced via Instagram that he would “see you on Sunday” and be staying at the Stadio Olimpico.
What made Dybala change his mind?
According to Sky Sport Italia, it was the moment of saying farewell to teammates, staff and fans that helped change his mind.
The emotional scenes saluting his friends in the squad, especially fellow Argentina international Leandro Paredes, Edoardo Bove and new teammate Matias Soulé, really got to La Joya.
Receiving gifts over the last few days from supporters outside the gates also touched him, while there were messages from Argentina urging him to not effectively end his career in the Saudi Pro League before even turning 31.
Gianluca Di Marzio also argues that Dybala’s wife Oriana and his mother were by no means enthusiastic about the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia either, so they too influenced his decision.
Roma had not accepted the offer yet from Al-Qadsiah, worth €3m plus bonuses, and Daniele De Rossi seemingly made clear that it was entirely a decision in the player’s hands.
The coach only ever said that Roma were above everyone and everything, including himself, but was in no rush to get rid of the Argentine.
This is his second biggest regret,lol.
Ha has no chance playing UCL at a small club.