Talking the business of sports

One of the transfer sagas of the summer finally reached its conclusion on Monday as Argentine free agent Paulo Dybala  agreed to join Jose Mourinho at AS Roma  on a three-year deal that will keep him in the capital of Italy until summer 2025. Dybala will wear the No. 21 jersey, the same he used to wear at Palermo and at Juventus before taking the No. 10. 

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"The days that have led up to me signing this contract have been filled with so many emotions," Dybala said. "The speed and determination with which Roma demonstrated just how much they wanted me made all the difference. I am joining a team that is on the up, a club that continues to put in place strong foundations for the future, and a coach, Jose Mourinho, that it will be a privilege to work with. As an opponent I have always admired the atmosphere created by the Roma fans - I now cannot wait for the chance to salute them while wearing this shirt."

The 28-year-old came to grips with his decision late in the summer after he failed to agree to terms on a contract extension with Juventus and despite his agent previously holding talks with Inter Milan weeks ago. The Nerazzurri moved in another direction as soon as Romelu Lukaku  became available for a reunion via loan from Chelsea. And from that moment on, there were no further talks with Dybala's camp from Inter Milan. The veteran striker waited for several weeks, hoping that club could squeeze him in by way of several other players potentially leaving the club. But things didn't change at all and AS Roma jumped in the race to sign the striker. 

Talks accelerated in the past week as the club submitted a three-year offer to Dybala's agent for approximately €6 million net per year, add-ons included. Dybala underwent medical tests as new AS Roma player in Portugal, where he flew on Monday morning on the private jet of the American club owner Dan Friedkin. 

The Dybala signing is a big statement for a club that's only a few months removed from winning the UEFA Conference League, their first ever UEFA trophy. Mourinho and club legend Francesco Totti both played an important role in the deal. The legendary coach called Dybala several times to convince him on the project while the former captain spoke to him several times in the past weeks. AS Roma fans are eager to see Dybala playing with their beloved club and there is an incredible excitement about this move.  

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