Roma have completed the signing of free agent Paulo Dybala following the expiration of his contract with Juventus.
The Argentina international spent seven trophy-laden years in Turin, winning Serie A five times and being part of the side that finished runners-up in the Champions League in 2016-17.
Dybal’s departure was confirmed earlier this year and despite being linked with a move to the Premier League, Inter have emerged as frontrunners for the 28-year-old’s services.
But Simone Inzaghi brought Romelu Lukaku back on loan from Chelsea, with their move for Dybala seemingly stalled as Napoli and Roma began showing interest in the striker.
Head coach Jose Mourinho is said to have played a major role in convincing Dybala to choose the Giallorossi, where the forward signed a three-year contract.
Speaking on the club’s official website after the announcement, Dybala said: “The days leading up to me signing this contract have been filled with so many emotions.
“The speed and determination with which Roma showed how much they wanted me made the difference.
“I am joining a team that is on the rise, a club that continues to build strong foundations for the future and coach José Mourinho, who will be a privilege to work with.
“As a rival, I’ve always admired the atmosphere created by the Roma fans – now I can’t wait for the opportunity to greet them in this shirt.”
Dybala will move to Rome and maintain his links with Italian football, having now spent ten years in Europe after moving to Palermo in 2012.
He scored 103 goals in 299 Serie A appearances for Palermo and Juve, with his highest return in a single league season coming in a 22-goal haul for the Bianconeri in 2017-18.
Roma finished sixth in Serie A in 2021-22 but lifted their first major trophy since 2007-08 when they beat Feyenoord to win the European Conference League.
Mourinho will be hoping Dybala can form a formidable duo up top with Tammy Abraham as the Giallorossi look to close the gap to Serie A’s top four in the upcoming campaign.
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