39-year-old veteran Dzeko left Fenerbahce this summer and returned to Serie A to join Florence. In an exclusive interview with Milan Sports, Dzeko reviewed his career.

Welcome back to Edin, is Florence the right choice for you?

"Looking at the Purple Lily Park is enough. When the club told me about this opportunity, I didn't even ask my friends and former teammates. I have lived in Italy for eight years and know very well what Florence and Purple Lily means. I have heard countless good things about this city, but I haven't had time to stroll and find a house. However, if the training center is solely this way, I can sleep here."

Chairman Comiso must be very happy when he heard this. "I praised the facilities he built in person. After signing the contract, he immediately called, and the enthusiasm surprised me. He loved the city deeply. With the club, huge investment. In today's football world, this is so rare. How many presidents are so attached to their team? His dream is the same as everyone here: to make the Purple Lily stronger and stronger, and it is best to win every game. "

You said a year ago that you will return to Italy after retirement and settle here with your family

"At that time, I was hesitant between Rome and Milan... Now there is an extra Fiorentina. Look, Italy is like a home anyway. My four children were born here, and my wife and I were very happy."

Is there anything that the Italians can't stand you?

"I know what I like: food, beautiful scenery. When you look around, everything is beautiful. As for the shortcomings, there is: Sometimes people talk too much. Outsiders feel relaxed when we play football, but they don't know how much we have to pay before we play."

You scored 21 goals in the 24-25 season, 25 goals two years ago, and you were the fourth most in Fenerbahce last season. "Last season, the club joined the national team, and I played almost 60 games. The state is indeed OK, but at the age of 39, I have to practice harder than others. After all, I am no longer a young man."

What is your secret to staying in shape?

"Every detail has to be taken care of. The recovery after the game is much slower than ten years ago, so I made a lot of prevention plans: practice before and after training, diet, sleep... Of course, it is not easy for four children at home to sleep well. I have to thank my wife: As the game approaches, she took the child to let me sleep alone."

After the debate on "Pseudo-Nine", everyone returned to the traditional center. The "decko-style" fulcrum forward is the most popular. Do you think you are a pioneer?

"I didn't invent anything. My characteristics are born like this. Outsiders judge the striker only to watch goals, but I love playing football and can't stand waiting for cakes in the penalty area. I like to participate in the organization and make goals for my teammates. Thanks Italy: Although I came only at the age of 29, almost all the football knowledge is learned here."

From the small stadium in Sarajevo to the age of 39, which game touched you the most?

"The earliest was Manchester City's reversal against QPR, with Aguero winning the championship. But Roma reversed Barcelona forever ranked first. He fell behind 1-4 in the first leg, and no one thought we could turn the tables. As a result, it was 1-0 at the beginning, and the Olympics thundered and the whole team was united. That kind of energy was too crazy."

What about the Champions League final against Manchester City? Did you think you could win at that time?

"I believe I can win after reaching the finals. We are facing the invincible Manchester City. In theory, they cannot play, but they did not suppress us in the game. On the court, I feel that the trophy is within reach. If I have some luck, I can instinctively bring the trophy home, but we have tried our best."

This is the biggest regret in my career?

"I don't regret the choice, the past cannot be changed. I am proud of my achievements. If you really want to say bitterness, it may be the two games against Manchester City and Bologna."

Bologna's game crushed Inter Milan's 2022 championship dream. How did the team experience it?

"We were the strongest that year, but we didn't take good care of our physical fitness. We sprinted all the way to the Champions League but fell halfway through the league, and the opponent seized the opportunity. Congratulations to Milan for winning the championship, but Inter Milan wasted too many opportunities that year."

Inter Milan has always been difficult to find someone who can rotate Lautaro and Touram. And when Fenerbahce scored a goal, did you ever think that "Inter Milan needs me"?

"I thought about it many times. But I don't resent: my two years at Inter Milan were wonderful. I know it very well and there are many friends. The club and the coach made their choices, but they won the league championship and reached the Champions League final. Of course, it might be better if I had it."

Now Xiao Inzaji is also gone. Milan, Roma and Inter Milan have changed coaches, and Purple Lily welcomes Pioli

"The battle for seats in the European game will be more balanced than before, especially if Italy can get the fifth place in the Champions League. As for the championship, Inter Milan is still strong, but it depends on the influence of Zivo. Inter Milan and Naples are the most favored, and the latter's transfer market operation is great."

Your tone is like a director. Haven't you considered retirement in recent years?

"(Laughs) I thought about it occasionally. I only had 30 days off for two years in Turkey, which was quite tiring. Sometimes I wanted to take a break and spend a lot of time with my family, but my love for football always overwhelms everything. I feel that I am okay and can contribute a lot."