Dybala chooses surgery over billion-won offer, faces season-ending injury

Paulo Dybala (32, AS Roma) is expected to be out for the season due to injury.

AS Roma announced on the 20th (Korean time) through the club website, "Dybala is scheduled to undergo surgery within a few days due to a left hamstring injury. Both the player and the club agree that this surgery is the most suitable and correct method for recovery from the injury. We wish Dybala a speedy recovery."

It appears that Dybala will finish the 2024-2025 season this way. European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano noted, "Dybala, who has suffered a serious muscle injury, is expected to have his season end." With the season concluding in about two months, it is almost impossible for Dybala, who needs surgery, to return in time.

The hamstring is a muscle located at the back of the thigh, requiring careful management. Dybala has a history of missing games due to hamstring issues in the past. Considering his age, born in 1993, sufficient rest and rehabilitation are essential.

Dybala left a message for fans whom he will not see for a while. He stated via social media, "First of all, I sincerely thank you for the love and support you always send. After undergoing tests and considering various options, I decided to have surgery to return as soon as possible. I will be away from the pitch for a while, but I will continue to support my teammates during this important time," and pledged, "I promise to come back stronger. See you on the pitch!"

This is a significant setback for Roma. This season, Roma has changed coaches twice. In September of last year, they shockingly fired club legend Daniele De Rossi and appointed Ivan Juric as coach. However, the partnership with Juric did not last even two months. He was dismissed after a record 12 games with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, setting the record for the shortest coaching tenure in Roma's history.

Roma's third choice was 'veteran' Claudio Ranieri. Having announced his retirement from coaching, he decided to take charge of his former team only for this season to save them from crisis.

Roma's choice proved to be correct. Under Ranieri's leadership, Roma showed a transformed performance and quickly regained their competitive form. They have climbed to 7th place in the league standings and are aiming for a spot in next season's European competitions. The gap with 4th place Bologna (53 points) is only 4 points.

However, with Dybala's collapse, a gap appeared in the attack. Dybala himself also struggled with the team at the season's beginning but was regaining form in the second half. He led the team's attack just behind the striker and scored multiple goals in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal against Porto.

Dybala is now at a crossroads. His contract with Roma expires at the end of next season. As he faces the dilemma of transferring or renewing his contract this summer, undergoing surgery makes it difficult to gain an advantage in negotiations.

Dybala was also close to leaving Roma last summer. After scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists last season, Al Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia pushed for Dybala's transfer. Al Qadisiyah reportedly offered him a staggering 75 million euros (approximately 119.5 billion won) over three years.

Nevertheless, after much consideration, Dybala revealed he felt it was not yet time to leave Roma and chose to stay. Having previously played for rival club Juventus, he felt the love of Roma fans and was moved every time he saw numerous children imitating his "mask celebration."

Dybala is one of the most popular players globally, not just among Roma fans. In particular, he certified gifts from Korean fans on social media and shared a photo wearing a Taegeukgi mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also gained attention for speaking out against racism towards Asians.

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