Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko has announced that he will retire from international football after the country’s Nations League match against Sweden in October.
The veteran striker made the announcement on Thursday, bringing an end to one of the most decorated international careers in Bosnian football. Dzeko, who turned 40 in March, said he believes the time has come to step away from the national team.
“Now I feel the time has come to step aside,” Dzeko said in a statement shared on social media.
The striker has worn the Bosnia and Herzegovina shirt since making his international debut against Turkey in June 2007. Since then, he has become the country’s most-capped player and its all-time leading goalscorer.
Dzeko Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Known to Bosnian supporters as “Dijamant,” meaning “diamond,” Dzeko has served as national team captain since 2014.
He said representing his country has always been one of the proudest parts of his career. Dzeko also thanked supporters for sharing the biggest moments of his international journey.
The striker has made 151 appearances and scored 73 goals for Bosnia and Herzegovina. His record makes him a central figure in the country’s football history.
Dzeko also played a key role when Bosnia reached the 2014 World Cup, their first appearance at football’s biggest tournament. He later led the team during the recent World Cup in North America, where Bosnia made their second appearance at the finals.
Final Match Against Sweden
Dzeko has invited supporters to attend his final international match on October 2 in Zenica.
The Bosnia captain said he hopes fans will fill the stadium for his farewell against Sweden. He wants to end his international career surrounded by the supporters who have followed him throughout his time with the national team.
Bosnia will face Poland, Romania and Sweden in Nations League fixtures scheduled for the end of September and beginning of October.
The Sweden match will therefore carry special significance for Bosnian fans, who will have the chance to watch their longtime captain represent the country for one final time.
Dzeko Continues Club Career
Although Dzeko is preparing to leave international football, his club career will continue.
The Sarajevo-born striker signed a one-year contract extension with Schalke in August after helping the German club return to the Bundesliga following three seasons in the second tier.
Dzeko initially joined Schalke on a free transfer from Fiorentina in January.
His remarkable club career has also included spells with Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce. He began his professional career with Sarajevo club Željezničar.
Dzeko’s final international appearance will mark the end of an era for Bosnia and Herzegovina. After nearly two decades in the national team, the country’s record goalscorer will walk away with a legacy that is unlikely to be matched anytime soon.
