Edin Dzeko ignored Roma fans and cut a frustrated figure yesterday as the striker began preseason training while awaiting a move to Inter, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Dzeko was not seen smiling once and kept his eyes covered with dark sunglasses, asking supporters to let him through when they asked him to stop for photographs.
The Bosnian gave the impression he was ‘very irritated’ and blanked another fan who asked whether he would be staying at the club.
“Dzeko wants to leave Roma and now we have ‘public’ confirmation of it,” the paper reported this morning.
“You can always deny transfer rumours but when you act like that in front of people the situation becomes objective. The one phrase he uttered only creates more distance between himself and supporters.”
A group of Roma supporters sang Dzeko’s name as he left training, while another followed the 33-year-old down the street and draped a scarf over his shoulder.
Dzeko offered no sign of reaction, though, keeping his head down and his facial expressions unmoved.
“Had he followed his heart he probably would not even have turned up for training yesterday,” Corriere continued.
“You can’t criticise Dzeko’s professionalism, though. He’s irreproachable in that regard.”
Inter are preparing a new offer for Dzeko which could be in the region of €13 million plus a young player, but it is not guaranteed Roma will accept.
The Giallorossi’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi last week warned they would not be ‘blackmailed’ by anyone, having been asked about the Nerazzurri’s interest.
Roma are willing to grant Dzeko his wish of leaving but they will not allow him to leave until a satisfactory offer arrives.