Dybala contract extension confirmed as Roma begin pre-season

Paulo Dybala has expressed his desire to finish his career at Roma, calling the Italian capital his chosen destination as he prepares for the club's Champions League match against Real Madrid. Speaking to Prime Video ahead of the fixture at the Olimpico, the Argentine reflected on Roma's European campaign last season and the role the supporters play in the team's performances under Gasperini. Dybala highlighted the emotional connection he has built with Italy over the course of his time there. "I would never have imagined having a career like this here," he said. "This country welcomed me with open arms, and the people helped me grow as a man and as a footballer." He acknowledged both the highs and lows of his experience in Italy, describing it as reflective of life itself, and expressed hope for an Italian finale to his playing days. When asked directly where he envisions that ending, Dybala was unequivocal: "Where? At Roma and with Roma. But it's premature to talk about it." He also reflected on last season's European journey, saying: "We gave everything last season. It brought joy to us and to the fans, and pride too." Looking ahead to the Real Madrid clash, Dybala acknowledged the challenge posed by one of the world's most decorated clubs but emphasized Roma's belief: "It will be difficult, we're facing some of the most titled teams in the world, but with the push from our people we'll have something extra."

Paulo Dybala has become AS Roma's most heavily deployed player under Gian Piero Gasperini this season, having accumulated 586 minutes of action so far. In the match on 11 October, the Argentine remained on the pitch for nearly the entire game, withdrawn only in the closing stages of added time. No other outfield player has surpassed his total; Mario Hermoso (569 minutes) and Gianluca Mancini (556 minutes) follow, while Bryan Cristante, Roma's usual leader in this statistic, is pursuing the figure after injury. Roma face Real Madrid on Wednesday, managed by José Mourinho—the coach who convinced Dybala to join the club. The current Roma side now plays with noticeably sharper attacking football than the team previously built around Dybala as its creative fulcrum. Speaking to PRIME ahead of the fixture, Dybala reflected on the previous season: "We gave everything last season. It brought joy to us and the fans, and pride too. We face some of the most decorated teams in the world, but with our people behind us we'll have something extra." Dybala expressed hope of concluding his career in Rome. "I never imagined having a career like this here," he said. "This country welcomed me with open arms, the people helped me grow as a man and player. There are so many emotions here—beautiful moments and difficult ones, like in any life. I hope there can be an Italian ending. Where? At Roma and with Roma. But it's premature to talk about it." The midfielder added that last season "put happiness and pride" into both the squad and supporters.

Paulo Dybala has spoken ahead of Roma's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid, expressing confidence in the Stadio Olimpico crowd and his determination to finish his playing career in Italy. The forward reflected on last season's achievements, saying: "We gave everything last season. It brought joy to us and the fans, and pride as well. It will be difficult — we are facing some of the most decorated teams in the world — but with the push from our people we will have something extra." Dybala addressed his connection to Italy and Roma specifically, highlighting the personal growth he has experienced since arriving. "I never imagined I would have a career like this here," he told Prime Video UEFA Champions League Magazine Show. "This country welcomed me with open arms. The people helped me grow as a man and as a player. There are so many emotions here — beautiful moments and difficult ones, as is life for anyone. I hope there can be an Italian ending" to his career.

Paulo Dybala has spoken ahead of Roma's Champions League clash against Real Madrid at the Olimpico, saying he hopes to end his career in Italy. Speaking to UEFA Champions League Magazine Show on Prime Video two days before the match, Dybala reflected on Roma's performance last season and the challenge ahead. "We gave everything last season," he said. "It brought joy to us and the fans, and pride too. It will be difficult—we are facing some of the most decorated teams in the world—but with the push from our people we will have something extra." On his years in Italy, Dybala expressed gratitude for how the country has shaped him. "I never imagined I could have a career like this here. This country welcomed me with open arms, the people made me grow as a man and as a player. There are so many emotions here—beautiful moments and difficult ones, as is life for anyone. I hope there can be an Italian ending," he said.

Roma will host Real Madrid on Wednesday at 20:45 in the second matchday of the Champions League league phase, with French referee Francois Letexier appointed to take charge. Letexier will be assisted by Mugnier and Rrahmouni, with Dechepy as fourth official. The VAR team comprises Higler and Van Boekel. Roma and Letexier have met four times previously, all in European competition. The record stands at two victories and two defeats. The most recent encounter came in the 2024–25 Europa League knockout round, when Roma won 3–2 against Porto at the Olimpico in the return leg, with Dybala scoring twice and Pisilli adding a goal. In the preceding season, Roma lost 2–0 to Slavia Praga in the group stage, defeated Brighton 4–0 in the Round of 16 first leg, and fell 2–0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final first leg.

Paulo Dybala has reaffirmed his desire to end his career at Roma, speaking two days before the club's Champions League visit from Real Madrid on Wednesday at the Olimpico. When asked where he would like to live out that final chapter, Dybala said: "At Roma and with the Roma. But it is premature to talk about it now." Dybala reflected on his connection to Italy, which has become fundamental to both his life and career. He said: "I would never have imagined making a career like this here. This country welcomed me with open arms, the people made me grow as a man and a footballer, there are many emotions here, beautiful moments and sad moments, as is life for any person. I hope there can be an Italian finale." The Argentine's remarks underline the deepening bond between the player and the Roma environment as the club enters a crucial phase of their Champions League campaign. Dybala also addressed Roma's return to Europe's elite competition, which the squad pursued at length last season. He said: "We gave everything last season. It brought joy to us and the fans. And also pride. It will be difficult, we are facing some of the most decorated teams in the world, but with the push from our people we will have something more." Wednesday's match against Real Madrid represents one of those occasions the player and club have worked toward.