Edin Dzeko, the former Manchester City player and current Inter Milan striker has emphasized the importance of his team giving “more than 100%” in order to overcome Manchester City in the Champions League final.
In an exclusive interview with BT Sport, Dzeko, who played a pivotal role in City’s two Premier League title victories during his five-year stint from 2011 to 2016, expressed his determination to seize the opportunity to lift the coveted trophy.
Manchester City enters the final on the verge of making history by clinching Europe’s top prize for the first time and potentially completing a treble after securing the Premier League and FA Cup earlier in the season.
Recognizing that Inter will be seen as underdogs against his former club, Dzeko highlighted his team’s desire to end their own season on a high note.
“As I arrive at my first Champions League final at the age of 37, and possibly my last, I definitely want to savor the moment,”
Dzeko affirmed. “We had a fantastic campaign in the Champions League and a relatively less successful one in Serie A, but winning the Super Coppa and Coppa Italia has left us content. This is a monumental game for both the club and the players, as being in the final is an amazing accomplishment.”
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Dzeko acknowledged that Manchester City is widely regarded as one of the best teams in the world.
He stressed the need for the entire team to exceed their limits, given that City is not an easy opponent to overcome. Nevertheless, Dzeko expressed confidence in Inter’s resilience, stating, “We are tough as well.”
Dzeko’s time at Manchester City saw him score 72 goals over five years, including a crucial equalizer in the iconic title-winning match against QPR in 2012.
After leaving City in 2016, he embarked on a successful spell at Roma before joining Inter in 2021. In his first season in Italy, Dzeko netted an impressive 39 goals across all competitions, earning him the Capocannoniere (Golden Boot) accolade.
Even at the age of 37, he continues to find the back of the net consistently, exemplified by his contributions in the two-legged Champions League semi-final victory over city rivals AC Milan.
Dzeko believes that his experience in Italy has not only enhanced his abilities but also prolonged his career. Reflecting on the contrasting styles of the Premier League and Serie A, he expressed admiration for the tactical nature of Italian football.
Dzeko credited Italian coaches for their comprehensive preparation and guidance, noting the substantial growth he has experienced as a player during his eight-year tenure in the country.
Feeling positive about his current form, Dzeko emphasized his ability to continue making significant contributions at the highest level of football.
He eagerly awaits the upcoming final while remaining open to what the future holds for him beyond the pinnacle of the tournament.