Edin Dzeko, who played for Fenerbahçe from 2023 to 2025, recently made a significant confession regarding his departure from the club.

Contract expires in the summer. What are your plans?

I still don’t know anything. I need to talk to Schalke and find out their plans... then we will decide. The club knows they need to be prepared because the Bundesliga has many more quality players. I hope for a great season.

"10 YEARS AGO, I NEVER THOUGHT I'D BE PLAYING AT 40"

You turned 40. Do you think you can still play?

In my early days at Fiorentina, when I didn’t play much, a lot was going through my head, but I always stayed strong. We footballers have ups and downs. Ten years ago, I never thought I'd still be playing football at -40, but I listen to my body and work hard before and after training. Of course, I'm not the youngest anymore. I need it, so I do it, but I still feel good and think I’m useful for the team; I proved this in the last few months at both Schalke and Bosnia’s national team.

I don’t know. I do preventive exercises for 30 to 45 minutes before and after every training session. When you’re young, you’d say, “I don’t have time for this.” Now, I understand it’s necessary. This is the most important reason that keeps me at this level and prevents injuries, extending my career.

"I WANTED TO HELP THIS GREAT CLUB RISE AGAIN"

Why did you transfer to Schalke in the mid-season from Fiorentina?

I needed more time to prepare for the playoffs with Bosnia and the chance to play in a big club with great fans and a fantastic stadium was the main reason for me. Schalke is fighting to rise to the Bundesliga, and I wanted to help this great club rise again.

Was it difficult to play in the Second League after Manchester City, Inter, Roma, and Fenerbahçe?

I knew the 2. Bundesliga was not an ordinary Second League. You can see it on TV: the intensity, the full stadiums, the atmosphere in the stands... No game is easy: not even against the last team. Everything is 50-50. I didn’t come here thinking it was a Second League; for me, the Bundesliga and Schalke are more than that. Of course, everything was easier with the support of Schalke fans.

"WE DECIDED NOT TO PLAY IN THE LAST GAME"

You didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to Fenerbahçe. Do you want to return?

The club could have extended my contract, but they didn’t, and I don’t know why. Both Dusan Tadic and I had two great seasons at Fenerbahçe. We decided not to play in the last game as a protest because we didn’t want to spoil those beautiful memories.