Paulo Dybala explains decision to reject eye-wateringly lucrative move to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah in favour of Roma stay

Last week, Sky Sports in Italy reported that the World Cup-winning forward was close to sealing a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah where he was reportedly offered an eye-watering three-year contract worth €75 million (£64m/$84m).

The Serie A club were being offered a sum of €3m (£2.5m/$3.3m) by the Middle Eastern side, however, the player rejected the lucrative offer to stay put in Rome. The 30-year-old was named in Daniele De Rossi's starting lineup against Empoli on Sunday and after a 2-1 defeat in their second Serie A game of the season, he explained his decision to turn down the Saudi bid.

Speaking to reporters, the attacker said, "Everybody looks at the money, but I put many things on the table to come to my decision: my family, my wife, the city, the team, and my desire to return to the national team. I’m 30 and feel good. I’ve seen a lot of criticism about the injuries, but I try to work hard every day to take care of myself and perform the best I can."

He added, "Surely when you see that kind of figure… I can’t say I didn’t think about it, but I weighed a few aspects. It made no difference to my agent. It’s not true that he would have made a lot of money. The most important thing for him is my happiness. We’ve collaborated for a long time. I don’t know how the Arabs reacted as I didn’t speak with them directly."

I Giallorossi will aim to register their maiden win of the 2024-25 Serie A season on Sunday as they take on Italian giants Juventus in Turin.