Inter striker Edin Dzeko has turned down a call-up from the Bosnian national team for a friendly clash with Russia scheduled during the international break for the World Cup.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, who report that the 36-year-old has given his rationale that the decision has been made in solidarity with the people of Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian occupation of the country.
Bosnia and Herzgovina have scheduled a friendly clash with Russia for November 19, the period in which the World Cup is set to begin, as they have not qualified for the competition, whilst the Russian national team have been barred from participation by FIFA due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Dzeko has decided not to be involved in the match despite being his national team’s captain and all-time leading appearance-maker, as he does not wish to be involved in a match against Russia given the situation in Ukraine.
