Dybala: I really wanted to help the team today

The Argentina international made his return to action after an injury lay-off midway through the second half, going on to win a penalty for his side and play a crucial role in Nemanja Matic's eventual 94th-minute equaliser.

Here's what Dybala had to say after the game...

You got a big ovation today when you began warming up…

“The fans have been incredible with me from the very first day. I really wanted to play today, over the past few days I’ve worked really hard to ensure I could be here. I wanted to be back even sooner but unfortunately I wasn’t able to. Today I told the boss that if he needed me I was available. Even knowing that I had already been called up for the World Cup, I wanted to help the team.”

How do you feel ahead of the World Cup?

“I’ve worked really hard on my recovery, to be at my best and for Roma – both for today’s game and the ones we will have in future. I tried to reduce the time I was away as much as possible in order to be able to play today and fortunately I was able to do that.”

Were you supposed to be the penalty taker today? How did that situation play out?

“No, there was nothing set on who should take the penalty. Sometimes it all happens in an instant – I looked up and Andrea had the ball; we shared a look and he felt ready to take it. So I left it to him, there’s no issue and there’s trust between us. Andrea has scored a lot of goals over the years, unfortunately today he missed the penalty but that could happen to anyone.”

How has the group responded to the situation with Rick Karsdorp?

“I was not there when it happened. I did not witness it for myself. Obviously I talked with my teammates in the changing room and there are a lot of things that should remain between us players.

“We are a united bunch, we have to keep it that way and we support any of our teammates – those who are going through a tough spell just as much as those who are doing really well.”