Joshua Zirkzee hinted that he’d stay with Bologna this summer despite widespread interest from Italy and abroad, calling their Champions League qualification ‘unforgettable’.
The 23-year-old Dutch striker was a key figure behind the Rossoblu’s Cinderella story in Serie A this term, netting 11 goals and providing five assists across 34 league matches to help the club qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.
Over the last few months, much has been written about Zirkzee’s future, his €40m release clause and the interest of a long list of clubs including Arsenal, Juventus, Milan, Napoli and more. He is contracted to Bologna to June 2026.
Zirkzee on his future
Speaking to Corriere di Bologna via TMW, Zirkzee was first asked if he believes he can reach the top level following his work with Bologna this campaign.
“I have to believe in it, I have to be convinced of it, as a player I have to have faith in my abilities and say: ‘Yes, I can get to that level’. It wouldn’t make sense for me to think otherwise. In Italy we already play against Champions League teams.
“Ok, we don’t know the competition, but the level yes, because Serie A is high quality, difficult. It will be a great challenge, very exciting.
“I dreamed of playing it since I was a child, I won it with Bayern Munich, but now it will be exciting to play it, because with the German club it’s as if I hadn’t done it. Now I’ll be on the pitch living the moment.”
Zirkzee was then posed the idea of leaving the Rossoblu this summer.
“At the moment my mind is only in Bologna. I want to recover from the injury, have some nice holidays in the United States with my childhood friends and then we’ll see what happens.”
He was asked what he’d choose, if it was up to him.
“I’d choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart.”
Finally, Zirkzee spoke about how it would feel to play in the Champions League with Bologna.
“Exactly, that’s what I said, and I’ll repeat it. It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable.”