In Italy, they call him ‘The Swan of Sarajevo’. Back home he is ‘The Diamond’.
Edin Dzeko, as his nicknames validate, is living proof that you can still be graceful with a muscular, 1.90m frame.
The striker is also evidence that you can still play elite football at 39. Dzeko has just joined Fiorentina and has helped Bosnia and Herzegovina win their first three game in FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying.
FIFA caught up with the Sarajevo native to discuss Brazil 2014, the upcoming clashes with San Marino and Austria, and his eagerness to play at the global finals again.
Of course being top gives us confidence, but we know there’s still a long way to go. What matters most is consistency. We have quality in the team and if we keep the right mentality, I believe we can be successful at the end of these qualifiers.
Every opponent deserves respect. San Marino have shown improvement, and matches like this are never easy if you don’t approach them seriously. We must stay focused, play with intensity, and make sure we don’t allow them the chance to surprise us.
Playing in Zenica has always been special. The atmosphere at Bilino Polje gives us energy, and the fans create a real home advantage. At this stage of qualifying, their support can make a big difference. Right now we’re focused on the match in San Marino. We will think about the next one later.
It’s always a huge honour. Every time I put on the jersey, I feel proud to represent my country. The statistics are nice, but the emotions and responsibility of playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina is what matters most.
Maybe that’s true! Florence is a beautiful city and I feel good here. Experience is also important in football, and I think I can still contribute a lot on the pitch.
Serie A is very tactical, very competitive. Every match is a battle, and that makes it special. With Fiorentina, I’ve felt welcome from the first day. I’m motivated to help the team achieve their goals.
For me it’s simple: as long as the coach calls me up, I will accept and do my best to help as much as I can. The truth is that I still feel good, both physically and mentally, and playing for the national team still gives me great joy. The national team is something very special for me, and it comes from the heart, not always from the legs.
It would be massive. Every player dreams of the World Cup and for me, at this stage of my career, it would be very special to experience it again with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
That tournament was historic for us. It showed that Bosnia and Herzegovina can be on the biggest stage. It united the people and, even today, when you mention Brazil 2014, people smile. It left a legacy of pride and belief.
Scoring in a World Cup is unforgettable, and to do it when we won was even better. However, that match did not mean much to us except for playing for prestige, since we had lost the previous two matches, against Argentina and Nigeria, when we were unlucky. I still have regrets about that because I believe we could have achieved much more at that World Cup.
Every generation is different. We had great players then, but I believe this team also has great quality. What is needed is patience in order to achieve great things. There are many debutants in these qualifiers, and they need support, just like the coaching staff. I believe that together we can achieve big things, and when I say together, I mean the players, coaching staff and of course the fans.
Every national-team success brings a lot of joy to the Bosnia and Herzegovina fans. Not only in Sarajevo, but in all cities and among all people who carry the team in their hearts. The last time we qualified for the World Cup, celebrations lasted for days and we had a spectacular welcome home, so I have no doubt it would be the same this time.
