More details are coming out about what caused Paulo Dybala to unexpectedly change his decision and turn down the €75m deal from Al-Qadsiah to remain at Roma.
The player had bid farewell at the Trigoria training ground this afternoon, cleared out his locker, and the flight was arranged to take him and his family to Saudi Arabia for this new journey, where he would earn €25m per season over three years.
“He even skipped the photoshoot arranged by Lega Serie A, assuming he would no longer be part of the team.
However, to everyone’s complete surprise, he announced on Instagram that he would ‘see you on Sunday’ and remain at the Stadio Olimpico.”
What made Dybala change his mind?
According to Sky Sport Italia, it was the emotional farewell to his teammates, staff, and fans that influenced his decision.
The heartfelt goodbyes to his friends in the squad, particularly fellow Argentina international Leandro Paredes, Edoardo Bove, and new teammate Matias Soulé, deeply moved La Joya.
Receiving gifts from supporters outside the gates over the last few days also touched him, and messages from Argentina urged him not to effectively end his career in the Saudi Pro League before even turning 31.
Gianluca Di Marzio also suggests that Dybala’s wife, Oriana, and his mother were not thrilled about the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia, so they too played a role in his decision.
Roma had not yet accepted the offer from Al-Qadsiah, worth €3m plus bonuses, and Daniele De Rossi made it clear that the decision was entirely in the player’s hands.
The coach only ever stated that Roma was above everyone and everything, including himself, but he was in no hurry to part ways with the Argentine.”
