Edin Dzeko claims he made the ‘right choice’ to stay at Roma and reveals he ‘already felt like one of the leaders’ before becoming the club’s new captain.
The 34-year-old was linked with a move away from the Giallorossi last summer but remained as one of the protagonists under new coach Paulo Fonseca, and has since contributed 12 goals in 25 Serie A matches this term.
Edin Dzeko claims he made the ‘right choice’ to stay at Roma and reveals he ‘already felt like one of the leaders’ before becoming the club’s new captain.
The 34-year-old was linked with a move away from the Giallorossi last summer but remained as one of the protagonists under new coach Paulo Fonseca, and has since contributed 12 goals in 25 Serie A matches this term.
The Bosnia international does not regret his decision to stay in the capital and feels ‘even more proud’ to see Roma contribute to help fans and other citizens during the current crisis.
“The choice I made to stay last summer was right, and it wasn’t difficult,” Dzeko told Sky Sport Italia. “Now, I’m even more proud to be at this club, that in a difficult moment like this does very important things for its fans and all the people.
“The players are available to the club and we try to help in all possible ways.”
With Italy in a lockdown, the players must stay at home and Dzeko revealed that it helps being surrounded by his family.
“Obviously, I have never been home as much as this before, but I’m happy. I’m happy for my children and the whole family, who are the only positive thing in this moment. I see that my children are happy and when I see then, I’m happy too.
“I have an infinite love [for Sarajevo] and it will always be like this, but I would miss our home in Rome, our daughter feels Italy is her home.”
Serie A has proposed to resume on May 3, but Dzeko admits that the moment is ‘very delicate’ and finds it difficult to talk about the sporting hypotheses during the current crisis.
“It’s a very delicate topic. Health is the most important thing, but in this moment, sport is not at the top of our priorities list, even if we love it.
“When the situation calms down and there are no more dangers, it will be correct to resume and finish the championship.”
Dzeko was officially awarded the captain’s armband when Alessandro Florenzi moved on loan to Sevilla in January, but the veteran said he already felt like one of the leaders in the group.
“The first time I wore the armband was at Wolfsburg, then I have already been [the captain] of Bosnia for six years.
“Being a Roma player is a source of pride and I felt like one of the captains already. There are many leaders in a team.”