Paulo Dybala is nearing an agreement to extend his contract with Roma, with the deal expected to be finalized within days according to reports from Italy. The extension comes at the request of new Roma manager Daniele De Rossi, signaling the continued importance of the Argentinian forward to the club’s plans.
Dybala joined Roma in 2022 following his departure from Juventus, and has become a key player for the Giallorossi, contributing significantly to their attack. Last season, he appeared in 35 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. His arrival was orchestrated by then-manager Jose Mourinho, whom Dybala has publicly praised.
Speaking on a podcast with YouTuber Daavo, Dybala lauded Mourinho as “a genius and a good person,” emphasizing the respect and care the Portuguese manager showed to the players. He recounted his surprise at the elaborate presentation at the Colosseum Quadrato upon his arrival, noting the emotional impact of being greeted by an estimated 15,000 fans, a stark contrast to the often hostile reception Juventus receives in Italy. Dybala credited Mourinho with bringing him to Roma.
The forward also reflected on the disappointment of Roma’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, expressing his frustration with the officiating, specifically citing a contentious handball decision. Despite the pain of the loss, Dybala acknowledged the broader context of the match and perceived inconsistencies in the refereeing.
Dybala also offered praise for several rising stars in world football, notably highlighting Lamine Yamal as a potential heir to Lionel Messi. He also spoke highly of Kylian Mbappé, recalling facing him during his time at Juventus when Mbappé played for Monaco, recognizing his exceptional speed and decisiveness even then. He also mentioned Fede Valverde and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, praising their qualities.
