Ex Man City Veteran Insists ‘There Were No Hard Feelings’ Over Inter Milan Departure | OneFootball

Striker Edin Dzeko says that there were “no hard feelings” regarding his departure from Inter Milan in 2023.

The Bosnian spoke to the Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview in this weekend’s Sportweek insert, via FCInterNews. He admitted he does sometimes wonder how things would have gone had he stayed, though.

Edin Dzeko spent two seasons as an Inter Milan player.

The Nerazzurri signed the veteran former Manchester City and Wolfsburg striker from Roma in the summer of 2021.

And Dzeko certainly made an impact at Inter. He spent two seasons as the first-choice striker, winning four pieces of silverware and even starting in the Champions League final.

However, Dzeko was not able to get his hands on the Serie A title in either of his two seasons with Inter.

Then, the Bosnian international left the Nerazzurri on a free transfer after failing to agree a contract extension. He joined Istanbul giants Fenerbahce.

And now, after two seasons in Turkey, Dzeko has returned to Serie A. He joined Fiorentina this summer.

Edin Dzeko: “No Hard Feelings” Over Inter Milan Departure

VERONA, ITALY – MAY 03: Edin Dzeko of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 03, 2023 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Asked if he’s thought about what would have happened had he stayed at Inter in 2023, Dzeko admitted that “it’s crossed my mind many times.”

“But I don’t have any hard feelings over it,” the 39-year-old continued.

“I had two great years in Milan. I know the atmosphere at the club, and many of the guys who still play there.”

Dzeko noted that “the club and the coach made certain decisions, which led them to winning the Scudetto and reaching another Champions League.”

“Of course, with me there, maybe things could’ve gone even better…” Dzeko hinted.

And of Inter’s failure to win the Serie A title in his first season at the club, the Bosnian looked back and said that “we were the strongest team in the league that season.”

“But we managed our energy poorly,” he admitted. “We gave everything in the Champions League, without getting to the final.”

“But in the league, we underestimated our rivals [AC Milan]. They were able to capitalize.”

“Congratulations to Milan for winning it,” said Dzeko. “But Inter squandered too many chances that year.”

“If I had to pick a match that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, it would be Bologna [the loss where Inter threw away the title in 2022] or City [the 2023 Champions League final],” he added.

Of that final against Manchester City, Dzeko commented that “When you reach a final, you’re one step away from your goal.”

“So yes. You definitely believe in it.”

“Inter were facing an unbeatable City,” the Bosnian recalled. “A team that were on paper unbeatable.”

“But ultimately, during the match, they failed to dominate us.”

“While I was on the pitch I felt that the goal was within our reach,” Dzeko said. “Had a few moments gone in our favour, we could’ve brought home the trophy.”

“But the pride of having given 100% still remains,” he insisted.