Roma legend Edin Dzeko has joined long-term admirers Inter Milan, bringing an end to his six-year stay in the capital.
Dzeko arrived from Manchester City in 2015 as one of the most exciting signings in recent Roma memory. Despite a difficult first season, he proved himself as one of the most complete strikers in the club’s history.
The Bosnian centre-forward broke the record for the most goals scored by a Roma player in a single season in his second year with the club, netting 39 times in all competitions.
In his third year, he played a crucial role in Roma’s furthest European run of the Champions League era, scoring his best ever goal with a volley against Chelsea in the group stages. The Giallorossi eventually reached the semi-finals, with Dzeko scoring in every round.
Embed from Getty ImagesDzeko’s fourth season was a little bit quieter, but his fifth year with the club saw him become Roma’s all-time leading foreign goalscorer, overtaking Pedro Manfredini.
His sixth season involved a number of obstacles, including collapsed transfers in both the summer and winter windows, time out with Covid and a fall-out with ex-coach Paulo Fonseca. Still, he managed 13 goals from 26 starts, and went out on a high note with a sublime performance in his last home game, in the Derby against Lazio.
Dzeko left the pitch to a standing ovation from his teammates that day, although it wasn’t clear at the time whether it would be his farewell. Despite being involved in Jose Mourinho’s first pre-season and even getting on the scoresheet, his fate has now been sealed.
After Inter sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea, the champions have moved for Dzeko – whom they tried to sign in the summer of 2019 and January 2021 – and finally got their man.
The 35-year-old finishes his Roma career with 119 goals and 55 assists from 260 appearances.
Grazie, Edin.
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