Paulo Dybala admits he weighed up “a lot” of options including his family, the city of Rome and a desire to get back into the Argentina national team before performing a last minute U-turn on a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah. The 30-year-old forward was set for a move to the Middle East before changing his mind at the last moment to remain at Roma.
Roma forward Paulo Dybala says he weighed “a lot” of options before rejecting a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, admitting “I don’t know how the Saudi club took it, because I did not speak to them.”
The 30-year-old was set for a move to the Middle East in a deal that would have seen him earn a reported £64 million over three years, but changed his mind – choosing to remain at the Stadio Olimpico.
According to Football Italia, Dybala had emptied his locker at Roma’s training ground and said goodbye to his team-mates and club staff before deciding to remain at the club.
“Everyone asks about the money,” Dybala told Sky Italia. “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.
“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.”
Dybala has been a fan favourite since joining from Juventus in 2022, with thousands taking to the streets of Rome to welcome their new signing to the club.
The Argentinian started in the Roma side who lost 2-1 to Empoli on Sunday night, but rejected the idea that his decision to stay would lead to added pressure on his shoulders.
“No, I don’t feel that my choice of staying adds extra pressure,” Dybala stated.
“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.”
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