Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly lost his grip on the record for most shirts sold in Italy in a single day, with one of his former team-mates overtaking him.
Ronaldo had set the record following his £100million move from Real Madrid to Serie A giants Juventus in 2018. But unlike many of the other records that the Portuguese superstar has set over the course of his career, he has now seen someone else move ahead of him.
According to Corriere dello Sport, that man is Paulo Dybala, who completed a sensational free transfer to AS Roma on Wednesday. Dybala left Juventus, where he played alongside Ronaldo for three years, at the end of last season and had been keen to stay in Italy.
With moves to Inter Milan and AC Milan collapsing, Roma offered him the chance to fulfil his desire. The Argentine has now signed a three-year deal to move to the Stadio Olimpico, an addition that launches Jose Mourinho's men into the category of title contenders.
The significance of Dybala's arrival has not been lost on fans, who have flocked to buy his new shirt. So many bought kits christened with Dybala's name that the 28-year-old has broken Ronaldo's record for most shirts sold in a single day in Italy.
The report does not mention any official figures in terms of shirts sold, but the measurements are based on how many respective kits each club sold the day after the announcement of either player. Dybala had been offered Francesco Totti's iconic number 10 shirt, but has instead opted to go for number 21, a shirt he wears for the Argentine national team.
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"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. I think that shirt and that number should remain his because of what he means to the city and the fans," he said.
"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 number 21, which is the number I wore when I first started to be successful. Hopefully I'll now start being successful here too."
While he struggled with injuries last season, Dybala still scored 10 goals to help Juventus finish in the top four of Serie A. And he is keen to also bring success to Rome, who are hoping for another positive campaign under Mourinho, having won the Europa Conference League last term.
“The days that have led up to me signing this contract have been filled with so many emotions. The speed and determination with which Roma demonstrated just how much they wanted me made all the difference," Dybala added.
“I am joining a team that is on the up, a club that continues to put in place strong foundations for the future, and a coach, Jose Mourinho, that it will be a privilege to work with. As an opponent I have always admired the atmosphere created by the Roma fans - I now cannot wait for the chance to salute them while wearing this shirt.”
