The Argentine revealed that Mourinho’s call influenced his decision to join the capital club.
Paulo Dybala was offered the No. 10 jersey after completing his transfer to Roma. However, the Argentine declined out of respect for club legend Francesco Totti. Instead, he chose to wear No. 21, the same number he wore at Juventus, for the upcoming season.
The attacking midfielder has already arrived in Portugal, where the Giallorossi are holding their pre-season training camp under Jose Mourinho’s supervision.
Dybala, who signed a three-year contract with a fourth option, is eager to help Roma return to the Champions League after winning the Europa League last season.
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What did Dybala say about choosing No.21 instead of 10?
Dybala wanted to stick to 21, a number he is attached to, as he knows the responsibility and pressure that comes with the No. 10 jersey at Roma.
“The director had suggested that I take 10, which is very important here for what Totti has done. That shirt must still be his. I thanked them, because for such a shirt there must be respect and responsibility,” he stated.
“Maybe one day I’ll wear it, but today I’m happy with 21. It’s a number I’m tied to and with which I started to win.”
🆕 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 | Paulo Dybala 🐺🇦🇷
The club is delighted to confirm the signing of the world-renowned forward!
We also hope this video can help continue to raise awareness in the search for missing children all around the globe. 🙏
#ASRoma | @ICMEC_official pic.twitter.com/eb0TXYXamk— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 20, 2022
Dybala revealed that Mourinho called him and explained his ideas which convinced him to choose Roma ahead of other options like Inter and AC Milan.
“It was a lot of things. The call of the coach and the manager and the talk with the owners. They were very important things that gave me so many certainties. The coach was one of the main causes, he was clear with his ideas.
“We all know him for what he has done and for what he will do. We talked a lot, it was a good chat. I was lucky enough to play with the greatest players in history and now I can say that I also work with one of the best coaches.”
When can Dybala make his debut for Roma?
Roma are set to play a friendly against Tottenham at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Israel on July 30. But it is unlikely that Dybala will play any part in that game as he has just started to train with his new team-mates.
Nonetheless, Dybala minced no words to express his goal for the club which is to win silverware. He is working hard to regain his physical fitness and it is likely that he would make his debut on August 15 in a Serie A fixture against Salernitana.
“I want to get back in shape, to contribute to the team. I want to be able to help Roma continue to win. They achieved a great mentality last year, the same one that the coach has. Clearly, the preparation will be aimed at doing the best possible with the team and to win some trophies,” he mentioned.
