Paulo Dybala reveals what he was thinking during his hat-trick against Torino and his future at Roma. ‘I feel like I already lived another life in this city.’
During Thursday’s Europa League play-off against Feyenoord, La Joya appeared fatigued, particularly during extra time, which culminated in a penalty shoot-out. However, he showcased an exceptional performance this evening, securing the first Serie A hat-trick since October 2018, as Roma defeated Torino 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It had been a long time since managed to take the match-ball home and I really wanted it,” Dybala told DAZN.
“I had gone close against Cagliari, but the coach took me off. I wasn’t madly looking for the hat-trick, but it came and I am happy.”
He adeptly converted a penalty, executed a precise long-range strike that nestled into the far bottom corner, and collaborated with Romelu Lukaku to score from an acute angle, overcoming the goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Following the second goal, La Joya jubilantly embraced Daniele De Rossi on the touchline in celebration.
“It was a difficult moment of the match, because Torino cause you problems. You are forced to play in a different way, they had equalised quickly and the game could’ve turned in any direction.
“I felt like shooting and fortunately it went into the net. I ran towards the bench and the first person there was him.
“On the third goal, I shot and was already close to the Curva Sud, so I kept running towards the fans. I want to thank them, because even on a Monday early evening they still packed the stadium.
“The ball is going to my mother, she gets angry if I don’t send them to her.”
Following Thursday’s Europa League play-off clash with Feyenoord, which concluded with a 1-1 draw mirroring the first leg and necessitated a penalty shoot-out after extra time, Roma faces potential fatigue.
Advancing to the Round of 16, Roma is slated to encounter Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton and Hove Albion.
“I always want to win trophies, but there is a long way to go. We will meet many more difficult teams. We know what our objectives are and are working every day to achieve them.”
A primary objective is securing qualification for the Champions League, a goal that Roma is steadily advancing towards under the guidance of De Rossi.
Considerable discussion surrounds the release clause embedded in Dybala’s contract. Does he envision an enduring tenure with the club?
“I said when I first arrived that it felt like I’d already lived another life in this city. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I do know that I am enjoying every moment here with the fans and my teammates.”