Veteran striker Edin Dzeko has hinted he could remain at Schalke next season after playing a key role in guiding the German giants back to the Bundesliga.
The 40-year-old joined Schalke during the January transfer window and quickly became a vital figure in the club’s successful promotion push, scoring six goals during the second half of the campaign.
With Schalke securing a return to the German top flight, Dzeko admitted relief and satisfaction after helping the club achieve its main objective.
Speaking during a media conference with NDTV, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international explained why he chose Schalke despite receiving multiple offers earlier in the season.
“Yeah, I mean, in January it was about playing more. And obviously playing for a big club with great fans at a great stadium was the main reason I came here,” he said.
“And obviously, because Schalke were fighting for promotion to the Bundesliga, I wanted to help this great club to go up again.
“And obviously playing time, which I needed for my games for the national team, which we had in March, the play-off against Wales and then obviously Italy.”
While Dzeko stopped short of confirming his future, the experienced forward revealed he is open to staying at Schalke but first wants discussions with the club.
“About my future, yeah, I’m thinking every day, but we’ll see. First, I have to talk with Schalke to see what their plans are and then we’ll decide. Great, thank you so much,” he answered.
The former Manchester City and Inter Milan striker also rejected suggestions that his move to Schalke was purely a rescue mission, insisting the club already had strong foundations before his arrival.
“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s a rescue mission because Schalke were already at the top of the table in January and obviously they needed another push, let’s say, like this, and some more quality in the team as well.
“The second part of the season is always more difficult because all the teams are fighting for something, either relegation or going up to the Bundesliga.
“So the club brought in like four or five more players, and that was the big decision for the club because I think all the players that came in January helped the team a lot, and at the end, we are going to the Bundesliga well-deserved.
“Like I said, my decision in January was also part of that. I really wanted to help this team go back to where they deserve to be,” he replied.
Having successfully completed Schalke’s promotion objective, Dzeko has now shifted his attention towards the FIFA World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina as he prepares for another major international tournament.
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