Paulo Dybala expressed his disappointment at not being included in Argentina’s Copa America team, saying he had been optimistic about being picked for the competition in the United States.
The 30-year-old was a surprise absence from Lionel Scaloni’s 29-man squad announced last week despite struggling with ailments and scoring 16 goals in 39 appearances for Roma the previous season.
Three players still need to be removed from Scaloni’s roster for the June 20–July 14 tournament.
“I felt like I did some good things this year,” the 2022 World Cup winner told The Athletic on Thursday.
“I was confident about making the squad, so it was a very tough blow for me to take because being part of the national team is one of the best things ever.
“But I also understand that it’s hard for our coach to choose. I respect his decision. I’ve got a great relationship with him and he has certainly chosen the best for the team.”
With one year remaining on his Roma deal, Dybala expressed uncertainty about his future.
“Italy has given me everything,” added Dybala, who has played in Italy for 12 years with Roma, Juventus and Palermo.
Also Read: Who Is Paulo Dybala’s Girlfriend? See Pictures
“It’d be hard to leave, but of course you always have the curiosity and wonder how you’d do in leagues as good as LaLiga and the Premier League, where there are great teams and great players.”
Prior to the Copa America, in which they will compete against Peru, Chile, and Canada in Group A, Argentina will play exhibition matches against Ecuador on June 9 and Guatemala on June 14.
