In a surprise move, Edin Dzeko extended his Roma contract until June 2022, ending Inter hopes of a transfer. “I realised just how much they wanted me to stay.”
It was announced in a club statement this evening without much fanfare or warning. It’s reported he agreed a new deal worth €4.5m per year net plus bonuses, effectively matching the terms offered by Inter.
“AS Roma are delighted to announce that striker Edin Dzeko has signed a contract extension with the club,” read a statement.
“Dzeko, 33, has agreed a new three-year contract with the Giallorossi, which runs until 30 June 2022.”
His contract had been due to run out in June 2020 and Roma resisted offers from Inter, demanding at least €20m for the centre-forward.
“Over the last few weeks I have realised just how much the club wanted me to stay,” Dzeko told the Roma website.
“My conversations with the board, the work we’ve been doing with the Coach, the relationship with my teammates and the love of the fans has all made me realise once again what I had already learned during these four years – that Rome is my home.
“Here there is everything we need to win something and I am delighted to be able to stay here even longer.”
Chief Executive Guido Fienga confirmed the Giallorossi had fought hard to keep Dzeko from joining their Serie A rivals.
“Before last season even finished we had reached a decision: Edin would be one of the pillars we would build our new side around,” said club chief executive Guido Fienga.
“Over the last few months nothing has changed. We are delighted that Edin recognises that if players want to win then Roma is the right place to be.”
Dzeko first joined Roma from Manchester City in the summer of 2015, scoring 87 goals in 179 competitive games for the club.
Image credit: asroma.it
