Paulo Dybala says that he wants to end his career playing in Italy and hopes that Roma will be able to ‘give even more’ in front of their home supporters at the Stadio Olimpico when the big sides come knocking in the Champions League.
Dybala on the end of his career and looking ahead to Real Madrid
Roma must dust themselves off after a 0-0 draw away against Como in Serie A on Sunday, as they prepare to host Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid in their first Champions League home match of the 2026-27 season.
Roma supporters have had to wait a long time for Champions League action to return to the Stadio Olimpico: This is the first time that the Giallorossi have qualified for the competition since the 2018-19 season eight years ago.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will also face tough tests away against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in UEFA’s flagship competition later this season.
Speaking on Amazon Prime Video ahead of the visit from Real Madrid later this week, Dybala said that it took ‘everything’ for the Roma squad to get over the top four threshold in Serie A last season in order to qualify.
“We gave everything last season and that brought joy to us and to the supporters,” said Dybala (via Corriere dello Sport).
“It gave us a lot of pride too, we all saw what it meant to everybody to return to Europe. It will be difficult, we’re up against some of the most decorated teams in the world, but when we play at home with the support of our fans, we will be able to give even more.”
Dybala also made it clear that after an enjoyable career between Palermo, Juventus and Roma, he wants to see out the rest of his playing career in Italy as well.
“I never thought I’d have a career like the one I’ve had here. This country welcomed me with open arms and its people helped me grow as a man as well as a footballer. I have so many great memories here, good times and sad moments, as it is in life for any person. I hope it’s an Italian ending.”