Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini discussed Edin Dzeko’s decision to decline Inter’s offer last summer in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia earlier today.
“Yes, it’s true, I was very close with Edin Dzeko. In fact, close is an understatement. I spoke to him more than with my wife, who was about to give birth. We also saw each other off the pitch. But then one day, for the first time, he told me that he’d already agreed with the club to renew. I was as happy as if I had renewed.”
The Nerazzurri were incredibly keen to sign the 34-year-old Dzeko last summer, as coach Antonio Conte wanted to strengthen the attacking department by increasing their depth and options.
The Lecce born coach appreciated the Bosnian’s physical characteristics and tactical awareness, but a deal never materialized as the former Manchester City striker decided to remain in the Italian capital with the Giallorossi.
This season, Dzeko has made 32 appearances across all competitions, for a total of 2719 minutes. In that time, he has scored 15 goals and provided nine assists, being a core part of coach Paulo Fonseca’s squad.
Inter are still looking for a new forward to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window, but Dzeko is not one of the considered players. Instead, Inter are following other options like Dries Mertens, Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner.
