After 15 years, Edin Dzeko is returning to the Bundesliga. In this interview, the Bosnian forward explains why his reunion with Kompany is a special one—and why he’s still not looking forward to the matchups against FC Bayern.
After winning the second-division title last season, Schalke 04 is back in Germany’s top soccer league—and so is Edin Dzeko. The 41-year-old is returning to the Bundesliga after 15 years.
In an interview with Sky, the Bosnian spoke about his return and his reunion with Vincent Kompany. Dzeko and Kompany share a history together at Manchester City.
Between 2011 and 2015, the two played together for the Sky Blues and celebrated, among other achievements, the English league title. While Dzeko scored the goals, Kompany led the team as defensive leader and captain.
Former teammates have since become a coach and a player. However, their friendship has endured. Dzeko therefore spoke with particular anticipation about reuniting with his former captain.
„It’s going to be a tough game.“
When asked what he wasn’t looking forward to in the Bundesliga, the Schalke striker had a clear answer: “Maybe the games against FC Bayern,” Dzeko said with a wink, adding, “They’re so strong under Vincent Kompany. He’s my friend and my former captain.”
For Dzeko, there’s no question that Munich will pose an enormous challenge in the coming season. The Bosnian expects it to be a difficult matchup—and not just for Schalke.
„It’s going to be a tough game—not just for us, but for the other Bundesliga clubs as well,“ the striker explained.
At the same time, he emphasized how much he’s looking forward to his Bundesliga comeback: “But all joking aside, I’m really looking forward to the season because I’m back here after 15 years and get to play against these teams.”
Old teammates from Manchester
Their time together at Manchester City was more than a decade ago. Nevertheless, the bond between Dzeko and Kompany has endured. Both enjoyed successful years in England and helped shape a team that developed into one of Europe’s top clubs.
Dzeko therefore knows Kompany not only as a coach, but also from their days together on the field. Conversely, Kompany is likely well aware of the experienced striker’s qualities.
For the Bundesliga, the Bosnian’s return is a special moment in its own right. After 15 years, Dzeko is returning to Germany. Between 2007 and 2011, he had already played for VfL Wolfsburg and won the German championship in 2009. In January 2011, he then moved to Manchester.
Now a new challenge awaits the 40-year-old. With Schalke, Dzeko wants to prove that he can still compete at the highest level even at an advanced age in soccer.
The reunion with Kompany is likely to be one of the season’s most memorable moments. When Dzeko and the Bayern coach face off, the former teammates will go head-to-head on the sidelines and on the field for the first time.