Paulo Dybala lifts lid on phone call with Jose Mourinho that swung transfer decision

 

Paulo Dybala has revealed he was persuaded to join Roma after speaking to Jose Mourinho for just "a few minutes" on the phone.

The Argentina international, 28, signed a three-year deal with Roma in July and has made an excellent start to life in the Italian capital, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six Serie A appearances. He's also scored once in the Europa League this term.

Several teams were linked with Dybala before he joined Roma - including Arsenal, Tottenham and Inter Milan - but Mourinho persuaded him to become part of his squad. He was available on a free transfer after his contract at Serie A rivals Juventus expired.

Dybala won 12 trophies during his seven-year spell at Juventus, including five Serie A titles. The former Palermo playmaker also helped them reach the Champions League final in 2017 - losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in Cardiff - and scored 115 goals in 293 games.

Yet his form dipped towards the end of his time at Juventus, scoring just five goals during the 2020/21 campaign. He regained his form during his final season in Turin - scoring 15 goals - and he's continuing to deliver the goods for Mourinho's team.

The inaugural Europa Conference League winners are currently sixth in Serie A, four points behind early pacesetters Napoli and Atalanta. Roma did not spend a lot of money during the summer and Mourinho is hoping Dybala can become their talisman this term.

© AFP via Getty Images Jose Mourinho persuaded Paulo Dybala to join Roma

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Thousands of supporters lined the streets of the Italian capital to welcome Dybala to the club in July, leaving fans from other clubs stunned at Roma's incredible support.

"The last few years at Juventus weren't easy, a change did me good," Dybala told ESPN Argentina. "Mourinho called me and in a few minutes I decided. He as well as the director spoke to me about the project and the desire to continue winning as they did last year.

"Being a protagonist in such a team helps me a lot. The fans' welcome? It was unusual. When you enter the stadium you're with your teammates, there I was alone. It had never happened to me before.

"Roma fans are similar to Argentinian fans in terms of passion. Different from the Juventus environment, more like the Argentinean one. They have a beautiful madness, I feel this affection, for them Roma comes before the family. They live football as we do."

Mourinho also lured Dybala to Roma by praising him during a Serie A game last season. The Argentine added: "In Rome with Juventus we were winning 4-3 and the coach took me off. Mourinho came up to the bench to greet me and said: 'You are a phenomenon'.

"This episode has stayed in my head, but I couldn't know then what would happen with the renewal at Juventus. When he called me the first time, he asked me if I remembered that moment. I said: 'Of course, how could I forget. It was an honour'.

"Then he said: 'Well, now you have to do it for me'. He also called me in the following days and it was easy to decide. Working with him is easy. With him I talk about everything, he knows all the players, from the elite to the third string.

"He has a group of people who work very well. What surprised me about Mourinho is the humility he has, he treats everyone the same. Sometimes he can give a different image for what you see on the pitch. Then I also saw him angry... I'm very happy at Roma, when you're happy it's easier."

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