By Dorcas Francis Koji
Edin Dzeko is set to bring his remarkable international career with Bosnia and Herzegovina to an emotional conclusion when the Dragons face Sweden on October 2.
The 40-year-old striker confirmed his decision in a heartfelt social media message, admitting that finding the right words to announce his international retirement was one of the most difficult moments of his career.
Dzeko said the October 2 encounter against Sweden will be his final appearance for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, ending an extraordinary 20-year journey with the Dragons.
“Sometimes I found myself wondering when this moment would come. But I never imagined how emotional I would be writing these words,” Dzeko said.
“On October 2nd, against Sweden, I will play my next and final match for our national team.”
Dzeko made his Bosnia and Herzegovina debut as a 21-year-old in a UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying victory over Türkiye, immediately announcing himself on the international stage with a goal in the 3-2 triumph.
He became a key figure in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historic qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring 10 goals during the qualifying campaign. He also provided the assist for Vedad Ibisevic’s decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Lithuania that secured the country’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
At the 2014 tournament in Brazil, Dzeko scored in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first World Cup victory, finding the net in their memorable 3-1 win over Iran.
His importance to the national team remained undiminished over the years, with the veteran striker continuing to play a major role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s latest World Cup qualification campaign.
Dzeko scored a late goal in the Dragons’ UEFA play-off semi-final victory over Wales before Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Italy on penalties in Zenica to secure another place at the World Cup.
Reflecting on his international journey, Dzeko said representing his country had given him a level of pride unlike anything else in his career.
“Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt,” he said.
“It was my childhood dream, a dream I carried with me on each of the 151 occasions I had the honour of representing my country on a football pitch.”
Dzeko leaves the national team as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading goalscorer.
He has earned 151 caps and scored 73 international goals, figures that underline his extraordinary contribution to Bosnian football.
His final appearance against Sweden will therefore mark the end of one of the most celebrated international careers in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history, as the Dragons prepare to bid farewell to a player who has been at the heart of their greatest footballing moments.
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