Paulo Dybala revealed his admiration for Jose Mourinho, stating that conversations with ‘The Special One’ led him to join Roma and wear the Giallorossi shirt.

At the end of the 2021-22 season, when Dybala’s contract with Juventus expired, many expected him to join a bigger club. However, he chose Roma. Today, he disclosed that Mourinho was the decisive factor in his decision.

Dybala, speaking to Sports Illustrated, said: “Everything felt strange to me. It was the first time I genuinely didn’t know where I wanted to play or where my football journey would take me next. I wasn’t even sure if I’d stay in Italy or leave. This was important because Italy had already become my home. I’ve lived here for twelve, thirteen years, and if I’m honest, I now consider Italy even more of a home than Argentina.”

He further elaborated on Mourinho’s role in his transfer: “In our first meeting, we just talked—a very long conversation. Jose didn’t pressure me to give him an immediate answer. But you know Jose—the next morning, he called me. I told him, ‘Jose, give me a few hours to talk to my parents and my wife.’ Because only their opinions were left. Personally, seeing how much Jose wanted me, my decision was already made. But family had to weigh in. After speaking with them and getting their approval, I texted Jose: ‘See you soon.’ And that was it—we went to Roma and signed the contract.”