"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale | OneFootball

After joining Schalke 04 on a free transfer from Fiorentina in January, Edin Džeko has played a key role in securing promotion to the Bundesliga for the Gelsenkirchen side, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 10 appearances in Germany's second division.

With Džeko’s contract expiring this summer, the former Manchester City forward has a tough decision to make: will he hang up his boots after representing Bosnia & Herzegovina at the World Cup, play one more season with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, or go somewhere else?

Speaking at a media roundtable on Friday attended by Bulinews.com, Džeko said he has been giving a lot of thought to what comes next, but that talks with Schalke will be crucial before any final decision is made.

“Let's see if I'm going to play in the Bundesliga next year. It's amazing for Schalke to be back in the Bundesliga, which is where I believe they should always be. That's what I said when I arrived here too,” Džeko said.

“I'm thinking about my future every day. We'll see. I have to talk to Schalke about their plans first, and then we'll decide.”

"Even better than expected"

The Bosnian striker also had the option to join Paris FC in January, but ultimately chose Schalke – a decision he doesn't regret.

Džeko hit the ground running after his January move – a period that put him in great shape to help Bosnia & Herzegovina beat Wales and Italy in the World Cup play-offs in March to seal qualification for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“This is a great club with great fans. I can already see so much love for me; that's why I'm even more happy that I made the decision to come here. I have to say that everything that has happened in the last four months has been even better than expected,” Džeko said, looking back on his decision.

“It was about playing time in January, but obviously playing for a big club with great fans in a great stadium was the main reason I came here. Schalke were fighting for promotion to the Bundesliga, and I wanted to help this great club come up again. And, obviously, I needed playing time for the play-off games in March against Wales and Italy with the national team."

“I didn't think I would still be playing at 40”

The 40-year-old acknowledges that there have been difficult periods in his career, including his short spell at Fiorentina before moving to Schalke, but says his mental strength has helped him continue at the top level.

"There have been times when the results didn't go well, like the first six months at Fiorentina. When you're not playing like you used to, there's obviously a lot going on in your head. But the one thing I can say about myself is that I was always strong in the head. I know that ups and downs are part of being a professional footballer. You have to understand that when those down periods come, you need to be clear with yourself; you need to be even better to come out of the difficult situations,” Džeko explained.

“I didn't think I would still be playing at 40. If you asked me 10 years ago, I would have said no. But I'm listening to my body as well and doing a lot of work before and after training to help it. Because I'm not the youngest anymore, I need to care about my legs and my body, and that's what I'm doing. I'm still feeling good, and I still feel I can help the team when I'm playing, which I did in the last four months for Schalke and the national team. That's why I keep going," the veteran forward concluded.

Džeko has scored hundreds of goals through his illustrious career, having played for clubs such as Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma and AC Milan.

Time will tell if another season will be added to his playing days, but first comes his second World Cup with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

During the interview, Džeko also reflected on his former club VfL Wolfsburg's relegation battle. Read what he had to say about their situation here.