Paulo Dybala’s long-term future at Roma has been among major talking points in recent months as the Argentine entered the final year of his contract. However, new Giallorossi manager Claudio Ranieri insists La Joya will play a prominent role in his set-up after returning to the Stadio Olimpico to replace Ivan Juric.
Roma appointed the 73-year-old veteran as their new head coach on Thursday after parting with Juric immediately after a dismal 3-2 home loss to Bologna last weekend. Already a whopping 12 points behind fourth-placed Inter, Ranieri’s men must launch a substantial winning streak to reignite their faltering top-four pursuit.
Dybala, whose contract at Roma expires in June 2025, holds a special place at the Olimpico. Undoubtedly Roma’s most creative forward, the ex-Juventus superstar has been the club’s standout performer when fit. However, his recurring injury woes have often diminished his impact, forcing Roma to reconsider extending his contract.
On the other hand, Ranieri has no doubts. Among the first topics he discussed upon his return to Roma was Dybala’s renewal.
“I immediately asked the president about Paulo. I choose whoever I want; I do as I please. Period,” the new Roma boss said, as reported by Calciomercato. “I’m not interested in clauses. He said it was fine; otherwise, he wouldn’t have hired me.
“You know that when I get angry, I speak in Roman dialect. Dybala is in a different class, and I’ll talk to him. I wish he could play all the time, but that won’t be the case.”
Dybala needs to make eight more appearances this season to activate a clause in his Roma deal that will force an automatic extension.
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