Paulo Dybala today revealed his admiration for Jose Mourinho, stating that it was the Special One’s presence and their conversations that convinced him to join Roma and wear the Giallorossi shirt.

At the end of the 2021-22 season, when the Argentine star’s contract with Juventus expired, Dybala chose Roma despite expectations he would join a bigger club. He now reveals that the decisive factor was none other than Mourinho.

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 career would take me next. I wasn’t even sure if I would stay in Italy or leave. This was important to me 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 better than Argentina.”

He further explained Mourinho’s role in his transfer to Roma: “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 said, ‘Jose, give me a few hours to talk to my parents and my wife.’ Because only their opinion was left. Personally, seeing how much Jose wanted me, I had already made my decision. But family had to weigh in. When I spoke to them and got their approval, I texted Jose: ‘See you soon.’ And that was it—we went to Roma and signed the contract.”