Dybala explains why he turned down 75m Saudi offer for Roma | OneFootball

Paulo Dybala admits he did ‘think about’ the huge Al-Qadsiah offer of €75m over three years, but explains why he decided to stay at Roma. ‘There are many other things to consider.’

La Joya had emptied his locker at the Trigoria training ground and said goodbye to teammates and staff, but suddenly when it all seemed to be finalised, he changed his mind.

It was a pleasant shock to many Giallorossi supporters, who thanked him for his surprising decision with banners and chants ahead of tonight’s game at the Stadio Olimpico.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Dybala was asked why he had turned down €75m spread over a three-year contract?

“Everyone asks about the money. I put lots of things on the table, like my family, my wife, the city, the team, wanting to get back into the national team. I am 30 years old, I feel good, although I see a lot of criticism on my injuries, but I try to look after myself,” said the Argentine.

“Obviously, you cannot say that you don’t think about it when you see that money, but there are many other things to consider and that is why I made the decision.”

How did his agent react when told that there would be no massive commission for this transfer to the Saudi Pro League?

“It changes nothing for my agent. I heard someone say he would lose a lot of money, but that is not true. He just wanted me to be happy with my choice. He is not just an agent, he is a friend and wanted me to be happy.”

Then how did the Al-Qadsiah representatives take the sudden turnaround from Dybala?

“I don’t know how the Saudi club took it, because I did not speak to them!”

Dybala started in Roma defeat

Roma lost 2-1 to Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, but it was an emotional night for the player who had been so close to leaving a few days ago.

“I tried to experience it like every other game. One has to be professional, concentrated on what the coach asks of you,” noted Dybala.

“I don’t think we did what he asked of us during the week, we made a lot of mistakes, so we need to keep working, leave the past behind and hope the transfer window closes as soon as possible, so we know what team we actually have.

“We must look at all the mistakes that we made, and there were so many both tactical and technical. They were banal errors really, then we tried to turn it around, but it was too late.”

Does turning down that much money put extra pressure on Dybala now at Roma?

“No, I don’t feel that my choice of staying adds extra pressure. I always try to give my best for the team, for myself and for what the coach asks of me. Obviously, what you do well is reproduced in the joy of the people and so you want to make the fans happy.”

Roma had been content to let him go because he does not fit into the 4-3-3 formation, so Dybala admits he needs to find his role tactically with Artem Dovbyk and Matias Soulé.

“At times I try to help the team when building the moves, so I drop a little deeper. Obviously, I feel more comfortable in the final third and making those tight passes. I did get a bit too deep today and it is something I need to work on.”