In the aforementioned interview for leading Spanish newspaper touched on the placement of the Dragons at the World Championship, his career, and many other topics.
This winter, Dzeko decided to replace the Fiorentina jersey with that of Schalke, and it turned out to be a complete success, since he qualified for the Bundesliga with this club without any major problems.
“I wasn’t happy because I didn’t play enough. I needed minutes. Of course I wanted to help Schalke get back to the Bundesliga, but in my head I was preparing for the play-off games against Wales and Italy,” Dzeko said.
Jackie’s goal in Cardiff against Wales earned our national team extra time and then penalties which we also went through which gave us the iconic match with Italy which was also successful.
“It’s normal that Dimarco and Vicario thought they would have an easier job against us than against Wales. I wasn’t angry about that. Italy was under enormous pressure, because it was threatened with missing out on the third consecutive World Cup. Their media talked about our stadium and turf, but no one said that we have a quality team full of young players who have shown their worth,” the Zmajeva captain pointed out.
Dzeko believes that Italy is a better national team, but believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina deservedly advanced.
“Italy is, of course, stronger than Bosnia and Herzegovina. The red card for Bastonia helped us, but even ten players could have done more. We threw about 60 balls into their penalty area and it’s not easy to defend in such situations. Sooner or later you can concede a goal, and that’s exactly what happened.”
A goal by Haris Tabaković in the regular part and a decisive penalty by Esmir Bajraktarević returned Bosnia and Herzegovina to the world elite.
Diamant also recalled the World Cup in Brazil, the Dragons’ only appearance at the world’s biggest show so far.
“It was incredible to play in Brazil, the country of football. We wanted to go one step further, but we couldn’t. I remember the goal against Nigeria that was disallowed. We were unlucky.”
This time, Bosnia and Herzegovina will play in Group B together with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland, and Džeko believes that this generation can make a breakthrough.
“We are happy to be at the World Cup again. Switzerland is the favorite, because it has experience and quality, and the rest will fight to advance.”
Although he is still one of the key players of the national team, Dzeko emphasizes that his role is not only to score goals.
“I’m the oldest player and as a captain you have more responsibility. When a new generation of young footballers comes in, you have to lead them in the right way. I’m overjoyed with the way I’ve helped the team in the last two years.”
He especially praised two young national team members – Tarik Muharemović and Kerim Alajbegović.
“One day I would like to see Muharemović at Inter. He has a great future, quality and real character. Alajbegović showed against Italy and Wales that he has courage, character and personality.”
However, the question that interests all football fans in Bosnia and Herzegovina is how long Dzeko will continue to play.
“We all have an end. Maybe mine will come soon,” said the captain of Zmajeva, adding that he will soon talk with Schalke about continuing cooperation.
Edin Dzeko has so far played 148 games in the jersey of the BiH national team, in which he scored 73 goals.
(Vijesti.ba)
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