Edin Džeko makes retirement admission after rejecting three offers for Schalke return | OneFootball

Edin Džeko has revealed that he had three other opportunities this summer, insisting that Schalke was the only club he wanted to continue his career with. 

Speaking at his official presentation ahead of the new Bundesliga season, the veteran striker admitted he had other offers on the table before sealing his return to Gelsenkirchen. 

“I had three more options, yes,” Džeko said. “I just wanted to keep playing for Schalke. I wouldn't have gone to another club.”

The 40-year-old explained that head coach Miron Muslić played a significant role in his decision to return. 

“We talked a lot. He didn't have to convince me much. I knew the conditions at Schalke. The coach believes in me, that's always important, even if you've already experienced a lot of things in your career.”

Džeko also dismissed any suggestion that his age would alter his mentality, stressing that he remains eager to contribute on the pitch. 

"I know that I am no longer the youngest. But if you play once a week, it's something different than if you play every three days. Now I have to get ready. I have a top relationship with the coach. He knows what he can do. He will make the best decisions for Schalke.

“And of course, as a striker, I always want to score goals - whether I'm 20 or 40 years old.” 

The Bosnian acknowledged that Schalke face a difficult campaign following promotion, with survival firmly at the top of the club's priorities. 

“As a promoted team, it will be a difficult season. The ultimate goal is to stay in the league. We want to take it game by game and collect as many points as possible. Then we'll see what that's enough for.”

Despite his ambition for the season ahead, Džeko admitted that the upcoming campaign could also be the final chapter of his illustrious playing career.

"Probably yes. But maybe I thought that last year. It may well be that it's my last season. First of all, I want to have a good year and, at best, celebrate a little."

Džeko is not expected to feature in Schalke's friendly against Atalanta this weekend as he continues to build his fitness, although he suggested a return against Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid a week later could be possible. 

“Against my ex-coach Mourinho, why not,” said the forward.