Dzeko conquers Schalke: the behind-the-scenes story from the locker room

Edin Dzeko continues to impress at FC Schalke 04. After winning the hearts of the fans (more than 10 thousand shirts have already been sold), the Bosnian striker is also thrilling his teammates with his behavior. Sporting director of the Gelsenkirchen club Youri Mulder told some background on the impact the former Fiorentina forward has made.

“He has fit perfectly into the dynamics of our team. He gives advice to young players here and there and during the game he helps the team with his qualities. There’s nothing condescending about him; you can see his pure joy in playing soccer in every situation”.

The 39-year-old striker has impressed with his humility and dedication to the cause: “Edin sits in the locker room and cleans his boots himself, without giving them to the warehouse staff: it is incredible. You can really feel his love for the sport”, Mulder told Bild.

Dzeko since his arrival has scored 3 goals, and was decisive in the last victory against Holstein Kiel by serving both decisive assists for his team. “He has the ability to hold back impossible balls in the middle of the field, which gives some’breathing room to the whole team. Thanks to this he eases the pressure on our defense”.

Dzeko, who will turn 40 in March, has scored more than 400 goals in his career. In over 20 years of soccer he has worn the jerseys of Željezničar, Teplice, Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma, Inter Milan, Fenerbahce and Fiorentina. He’s also the Bosnian national team recordman with 72 goals scored in 146 matches.