Edin Džeko on joining Schalke 04: ‘It was never about money.’

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Edin Džeko has established himself as one of Europe’s leading goalscorers with 375 goals scored over a career that’s spanned over two decades. Now leading the charge as Schalke 04 look to secure a return to Bundesliga football, the 39-year-old looks back on his return to Germany.

Speaking exclusively to Sport Bild, wanting to leave Fiorentina after just 236 Serie A minutes, the former Wolfsburg, Manchester City and AS Roma star discussed his move to Gelsenkirchen.

“After lunch, I sat alone in the room and thought: ‘What do I want? What do I need?’ I came to the answer: ‘An emotional stadium with loud fans. A club that will thrill me again,’ said Džeko. “Suddenly, Schalke came to mind. At that moment, I immediately picked up my phone and texted Nikola [Katic].”

The 39-year-old asked his Bosnia compatriot whether or not the Royal Blues needed a striker, which resulted in a phone call. “He called me and asked if he should put me in touch with the coach. I said ‘Yes, gladly.’ And then everything started falling into place.”

The 2009 Bundesliga winner with Wolfsburg then spoke with Schalke head coach Miron Muslic, when “everything started falling into place.”

For Džeko, it was never about money. “I had other offers that were significantly more lucrative,” he added. “But that wasn’t what it was about for me at all.”

With four goals and three assists in five appearances, the Bosnian forward has fired Schalke back to the 2. Bundesliga summit. “Schalke has always been a great club that, in my opinion, belongs in the Bundesliga.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder