Paulo Dybala’s emotions got the best of him on Monday, as the long-serving Juventus forward sobbed as he bid farewell to the Turin faithful.
Sergej Milinkovic-stoppage-time Savic’s goal earned Lazio a thrilling 2-2 draw against Juventus in Serie A on Monday, securing the Rome club’s place in next season’s Europa League and overshadowing Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala’s goodbye.
Already secured of fourth place this season, Juventus could take the game to Lazio with the burden off after rushing into a 10th-minute lead thanks to Dusan Vlahovic’s soaring header.
Dybala was honoured after the game with Giorgio Chiellini, and the 28-year-old Argentine couldn’t contain his emotions as he was greeted by fans.
He also won the Coppa Italia on four occasions and also played in the Juve’s Champions League final defeat in 2017.
Dybala speaks
“It is difficult to find the right words to greet you,” Dybala addressed fans in a statement posted to his social media platforms. “There are so many years and so many emotions involved altogether. I thought we would be together [for] even more years, but fate puts us on different paths.”
“I will never forget everything you made me experience, every game, every goal. With you, I grew up, I learned, I lived and I dreamed. It was seven years of magic, 12 trophies and 115 goals that no one will take away from us, never.”
“Thank you for supporting me in difficult times. Thanks to those who have accompanied me over the years, from the first to the last, from the fans to the people who work within the club, everyone, [from] coaches and teammates, employees and managers,” he added.
“Wearing this important jersey together with the captain’s armband has been one of the greatest [moments of] pride of my life, which I hope to show to my children and grandchildren someday.
“Tomorrow will be my last match with this shirt. It’s hard to imagine, but it will be our last farewell. It will not be easy, but I will enter the field with a smile and with my head held high, knowing that I have given everything for you,” the 28-year-old added.
Need to be better – Allegri
There was a late twist in the game, as Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored with the game’s final kick, securing a top-six finish. Maurizio Sarri’s side has moved four points clear of seventh-placed Fiorentina, who lost 4-1 at Sampdoria on Monday.
La Viola will face Juve in the season’s last round on Sunday.
“Tonight was a wonderful evening, full of emotions,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia after the game. “The evening of Chiellini and Dybala. A few videos of Chiellini should be sent to our training ground to show how he applies himself.”
“Dybala was an important player for seven years,” the manager added. “The fans gave him a well-deserved tribute. It would have been nice to finish with a win for them, but tonight’s game sums up our year. We need to get used to winning again.”
