Former Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he hoped Paulo Dybala would not sign for Inter, according to a report in the Italian media.
Speaking during an interview with Tuttosport, the Parma goalkeeper explained that whilst he respected the fact Paulo Dybala had a free choice of where to go, he did not want him to sign with the Nerazzurri due to the historic rivalry in place.
“Paulo had the right to choose after his farewell to Juventus. When I saw in recent weeks that Dybala could have gone to Inter, Roma or Napoli I hoped he would choose one of the latter two.”
He did add that he wanted him to choose Roma or Napoli for the sake of his career rather than just to avoid moving to a major rival of Juventus.
“I hoped so for his career. Paulo needed an emotional shock and I was convinced that only Roma and Napoli could give him that. I even sent him a message and I’m happy to see him at Roma. Dybala, from a technical point of view, is the best in Serie A along with Di Maria.”
Gianluigi Buffon and Paulo Dybala were teammates for many seasons at Juventus but they have both since moved on.
Paulo Dybala did look destined to play for Inter but after the Nerazzurri could not make space for him, he decided to accept the offer from Jose Mourinho’s Roma side who do not have Champions League football.
