Interview: Dybala on why he can't wait to play in front of his new fans!

After signing a three-year contract with the club on Wednesday afternoon, the Argentina international sat down with us to discuss his hopes for this new chapter of his career.

Here is everything he had to say!

Hi Paulo and welcome. How does it feel to be a Roma player?

"First of all, I'm very happy to be here. I'm thrilled to be able to start after a long wait. I really wanted to meet my new team-mates, the coach and everyone who works for Roma. I'm delighted to be here."

The last few days have been quite hectic. How's it been for you?

"Yes, the negotiations were done very quickly over the weekend. Everything happened very fast. I couldn't wait to get started so it was a quick decision and once the club had done all the checks they needed to do we were able to sign the contract and get going."

What convinced you about Roma's offer?

"Lots of things. Speaking to the gaffer, the general manager, the President and the owners of the club. Those were the main reasons. They were very convincing and that was important for me. Plus the boss was very clear about his ideas. That was one of the main things. But obviously playing for Roma and everything it means to this city, to Italy and the world is great too."

Is there anyone else you want to thank?

"My family and friends for their constant support. They urged me to come here and they're very happy. Then the people who work with me and help me every day and of course the Roma fans, who did everything to convince me to join."

You've mentioned Jose Mourinho, a great coach. How do you feel about working with him?

"Everyone knows who Mourinho is, what he's achieved in the game and what he can do. It was an exciting conversation and we spoke for a long time. It was a very nice chat.

"I've been fortunate to play with some of the greatest players of all time and now I'll get to work with one of the greatest coaches of all time."

What are your personal goals for the season?

"First of all, I want to get into peak shape so that I'm on a par with the other players mentally and physically and help the team doing my job. I want to help this team to carry on winning, with the mentality they acquired last season thanks to the coach, and with my own experience.

"Of course with the World Cup around the corner so I'll be doing my absolute best to help this team and reach the tournament in the best shape possible, then hopefully be in the mix for some silverware at the end of the season."

You've seen Roma's progress in recent years. What's your impression from the outside?

"Roma are world-famous and I knew about them before I came to Italy because of the players who have played here. In recent years, the club's grown a lot.

"From the outside you get the impression it's a serious set-up and now that I'm here I can see it close-up. I think the trophy this club won last season is a clear sign of the work being done here.

"There are lots more targets ahead and hopefully we can achieve them together."

Perhaps you were destined to do your famous goal celebration here in Rome one day.

"I love this city. As a kid I saw lots of films about its history and the gladiators, so yes, clearly it was my destiny!"

Why have you chosen to wear No.21?

"I spoke to the general manager and he asked if I wanted to take No. 10, which of course is so significant here because of everything Francesco Totti did. I think that shirt and that number should remain his because of what he means to the city and the fans. I thanked him because wearing a shirt like that requires a lot of respect and responsibility.

"I still see it as his shirt. Maybe I'll wear it one day but for now I'm happy to have No. 21, which is the number I wore when I first starting to be successful. Hopefully I'll now start being successful here too."

The Roma fans are very passionate. Are you ready to meet them?

"When you come to the Olimpico to play Roma, for us South Americans it's like playing in Argentina or Brazil. It's a very similar sort of support and one that's harder to find in Europe. As an opponent it's nice to play at a ground like that and I'm sure that playing there with the fans behind you is very special."

Did you see the celebrations on 26 May? Have you understood the relationship the fans have with their city?

"I saw the images, yes. I've spoken to my new team-mates about that day and they told me how incredible it was, the way the fans celebrated and thanked them for it. It just shows you how important football is for this city and this team.

"As a footballer, to have that much support from the fans in good and bad times makes a huge difference."

The fans have gone absolutely wild on social media in expectation of your arrival. Do you have a message for them?

"I want to thank them for all their messages. It's hard to reply to them all because there are so many. I hope to get to know them soon in Rome, to see their passion and give them something to cheer about."