'Dybala beautiful story, fans are proud' says De Rossi

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 24 - The story of Paulo Dybala's refusing a 75 million euro payola with Saudi side Al-Qadsiah and U-turn decision to stay at AS Roma reportedly for the love of his Argentine wife who loves Rome is a "beautiful" one and the fans should be "proud of him", coach Daniele De Rossi said Saturday.
    The 30-year-old ex Juve Argentina World Cup winner said Thursday night he would stay at AS Roma after all. Italian media said he had given up the huge Saudi signing on fee because his wife, 28-year-old Argentine model, actress and singer Oriana Sabatini, is so attached to life in the Italian capital.
    Other reports said he had declined the offer out of love for the Giallorossi, with many observers saying it was like a story out of the past when players were more loyal to their clubs than to the pursuit of money.
    'The Jewel' Dybala, who scored 82 goals in 210 Juve appearances from 2015 to 2022 and has netted 25 times in 54 matches for the Giallorossi since then, said on social media: "Thank you Roma, see you on Sunday (against Empoli)." Dybala's recent career has been dogged by injury.
    He made only two cameo appearances in Argentina's 2022 World Cup campaign, scoring in the final shootout win against France, and was left out of the squad for this year's victorious Copa America.
    Roma reportedly rejected a bid that was adjudged too low from Al-Qadsiah, who were promoted to the Saudi Pro League in May, and "La Hoya" Dybala reportedly turned down the mega signing on fee.
    De Rossi said, at a press conference ahead of the Empoli game Sunday: "Exciting situation, full of ups and downs. His choice, we saw what reaction it provoked. The enthusiasm would have been there anyway, and in him they now see someone who made a decision based on the fans' love for him and the team. "These decisions are also the result of the love that exists in this city. It's a beautiful story, not often seen in the world of football, and the fans should be proud". (ANSA).