Paulo Dybala Explains Why He Turned Down AS Roma's No.10 Shirt In Great Show Of Respect

Paulo Dybala says he turned down the chance to wear AS Roma's iconic No.10 shirt because it belongs to club legend Francesco Totti.

Dybala joins Jose Mourinho's team on a three-year contract following the expiration of his deal at Juventus.

Roma's general manager asked the Argentinean if he wanted to take the legendary No.10 shirt, which had been previously worn by Totti.

But Dybala respectfully rejected the No.10 shirt, claiming it still belongs to the Italian.

"I spoke to the general manager and he asked if I wanted to take number 10, which of course is so significant here because of everything Francesco Totti did," he said in a club interview.

"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."

However, the 28-year-old hasn't ruled out wearing the No.10 shirt in the future, having opted for the No.21 jersey at Roma.

"I still see it as his shirt," he added. "Maybe I'll wear it one day but for now I'm happy to have number 21, which is the number I wore when I first started to be successful.

"Hopefully I'll now start being successful here too."

Dybala will be managed by Jose Mourinho next season and he's excited to work with 'one of the greatest coaches of all time'.

He continued: "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."