What Dybala staying means to Roma and why he’s comparable to Totti

Paulo Dybala makes an epic decision to stay for his love of Rome, and Wayne Girard claims it engraves La Joya into the club’s history.

“I’m staying for the love of fans and Roma,” Paulo Dybala told friends and family regarding his shocking, final-hour decision to stay in Rome.

An emotional rollercoaster doesn’t describe the half of it. Let’s go with ‘Clamoroso,’ an Italian expression literally meaning resounding, but rarely and only used to describe a major, shocking event. These past 24 hours have been very, very Clamoroso. 

Paulo Dybala’s decision to stay at Roma is the most exciting story to occur for Serie A in recent memory, and a day where football has won. The story goes that he headed back to his apartment in Rome one last time, after saying his final goodbye to his teammates. While exiting Trigoria, he was mobbed by fans showing love for him, asking for autographs and giving him personal mementos. He became emotional. 

Roma fans and teammates react as Dybala rejects Saudi millions

After double-checking that he had his boots on for tomorrow’s match in Saudi Arabia, Dybala sat down to talk with his wife and mother about whether this really was the best move, given that he was still at the highest level, and what it would really feel and be like for his family living in the new country. Then, the football world was blown away when he announced that he would stay at the club with a clip on Instagram reading, “See you on Sunday.”

Paulo was never the problem. Yes, he will be on blockbuster wages this year, but as aforementioned, Roma’s issues stem from those who underperform. Injuries, yes, but underperforming, no. While his decision to stay will impact new arrivals if there’s no offer for others, now is the time for La Lupa to push. There’s a certain meme going around of Francesco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, and Vincenzo Montella’s heads replaced with those of Paulo, Artem Dovbyk, and Matías Soulé, and it makes one ponder if those Scudetto celebrations could actually be replicated. 

‘Even Totti would put in a good word’ for Dybala’s No. 10 at Roma

It could happen again, but the Giallorossi must push on in the market and secure a right-back, spare centre-back, and left-winger at the very least. Bryan Cristante should be relieved of his starting role if the club wants to step up a level, and If Edoardo Bove is sold, another centre-midfielder will be necessary. 

A Romanista cannot help but draw the parallels between Francesco Totti’s decision to stay home rather than make a move to Real Madrid in 2004 and thus become the world’s highest-paid player. There is, of course, a major distinction between playing for the best club in the world and uprooting your family to Saudi Arabia, but there is a great deal of sacrifice for Paulo. €75m over just three years is generational wealth, which trickles down to your grandchildren’s children, leaving no need or want.

Consider the royalties that would accompany the package, such as private airfare and a palace. But money can become just a number you stare at in your online portfolio. Once you have what you deem is enough, its importance is subjective. What you feel inside you, what drives you and makes you feel fulfilled, is love. And that can’t be bought.

Dybala’s career will have plenty of time if he wants an adventure abroad for that blockbuster contract. Even if he leaves next season, his decision will remain historic and eternally bind him to Rome. All that’s missing is the No.10.