Paulo Dybala has rejected comparisons between himself and fellow Argentine forward Lionel Messi.
The Juventus forward has drawn parallels with the deadly Barcelona forward and there is increasing speculation linking him with a move to the Nou Camp.
He was eager to assert that he is his own man and despite admitting to feeling content with life in Turin, conceded that he did not expect to move from Palermo to Juventus when he did.
Dybala told Marca: ‘People have to know that I’m not Messi. I am Dybala and I want to be only Dybala, although I understand that there are comparisons.
‘Messi, there is only one, as there was only one Maradona. You cannot replace players like them. It is a burden that people have expectations about me.’
The 23-year-old added that he pays little attention to rumours but did not flatly deny the links with Barcelona.
‘Three years ago, in Palermo, I did not think I would go to Juve,’ Dybala said. ‘Therefore, I enjoy day-to-day and I do not think beyond,’ he added.
Having scored 14 goals in all competitions for the Bianconeri this season, Dybala has put himself on the radar of Europe’s elite.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side will be desperate to hold onto their man in the summer and will be heartened that Dybala still feels wanted.
‘I am happy here, where everyone loves me very much. I feel at one of my best moments,’ he concluded.
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