(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.
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).
'Dybala beautiful story, fans are proud' says De Rossi
Saudi U-turn result of city's love says Roma coach