Paulo Dybala told Cristiano Ronaldo that he “hated him like a kid” during his time at Juventus because of his Argentine background.
Attacking duo Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo spent three seasons together before the Portuguese’s impressive return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, and they celebrated two Serie A titles and a handful of domestic cups over that time. But playing alongside one of the greatest players of all time at club level remained an odd feeling for Dybala, whose loyalty in this debate is clearly in favor of his national hero, as he joked, to Ronaldo once during a team trip.
“I hated him when I was young.”
The Argentinian confided to the presenter Delita Lotta on the DAZN program “Scacco Capitale”: “The team was strong and gave us something extra. The rivalry between him and Lionel Messi is felt deeply in Argentina, and as a kid I was always on Messi’s side.”
“Once we were on a plane to go play a game, I was in the back and he was seated more forward. At some point he came to see me to talk about football and other things. We were talking about our lives in general and I told him, “I hated you when I was little.” We laughed a lot. We have always had a good relationship and a good dialogue.” Roma striker explained.
“I wanted to do something in Rome”
If Ronaldo separated from Juventus in 2021, then Dybala did the same a year later, leaving the Italian capital to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma. Despite some fitness issues, the 29-year-old has scored an impressive 25 goals in 34 appearances this season, helping the Giallorossi close on goal difference in the Champions League and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Speaking of his decision to join the Capital Club, Dybala continued: “The story starts a little bit here, in the Colosseum. When I was a kid, I saw a lot of movies about Rome and gladiators. I must have seen ‘Gladiator’ more than twenty times. When Thiago Pinto called us, reminders of these things came to my mind. I told myself.” I have to do something in this city.”
Mourinho is enjoying something of a renaissance in Rome and Dybala added that the Portuguese played a crucial role in his signing: “Mourinho has a big image and strength for what he stands for in world football. He will be a good chess player. Before arriving in Roma we spoke twice, he’s very good at ‘getting into someone’s shoes’. I had a special experience. Feeling: It’s hard to find someone who speaks honestly. in the football world.
Thanks to Juventus’ 15-point reintroduction in the league, Roma are currently in fifth place in Serie A with seven matches remaining. The Argentine hopes to be present during the next test, which will take place on Saturday at home against AC Milan, another big club that claims to play in C1 next year.
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