• Premier League

Dzeko keen on Bundesliga return

ESPN staff
February 25, 2013
Edin Dzeko, the 2009-10 top scorer in the Bundesliga, is keen to play in Germany again © Getty Images
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Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko has denied claims he has held talks over a move to Borussia Dortmund but confirmed he would love to return to the Bundesliga.

Dzeko, who won the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg in 2009, has long been linked with a move back to Germany after failing to fully establish himself in the first-team at City.

In an interview with kicker magazine, the 26-year-old said: "I love the Bundesliga and I will return to the Bundesliga. The only thing I don't know is when."

In recent weeks, there have been reports that Dortmund are leading the race for his services as speculation persists that Robert Lewandowski will depart the Westfalenstadion.

However, Dzeko dismissed claims he had met with Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp and club officials at a hotel outside the German city recently.

"That's not true," he said. "There is a lot of talk and a lot is written. If you believed every word, I'd be playing at FC Bayern or AC Milan by now."

Even so, Dzeko did little to hide his admiration for Dortmund and is tipping Klopp's men to reach the Champions League final.

The German champions, who took four points from City as they finished top of Group D, are well-placed to reach the quarter-finals after securing a 2-2 draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their second-round tie.

"I knew Borussia from the Bundesliga," he said. "Essentially, I knew nearly everything about the team but, all the same, they managed to impress me.

"Borussia showed how strong they are. They lost Shinji Kagawa [to Manchester United] ahead of the season, but now they have Marco Reus, who might be even better. Dortmund are a top club. Everyone in Europe was able to see that. With Jurgen Klopp, they have a great coach working there. This team can go a long way.

"I am convinced Borussia will make it into the final. That's my wish for the club. Anyone who comes out on top of a group with Real Madrid in such fashion can beat anyone."

The Bosnia international also said he was flattered to have received praise from Klopp in the past.

"When it comes from one of the best coaches in Europe, I'm delighted, of course," he said.

Speaking to Sky on Sunday, Dortmund CEO Aki Watzke also tried to cool the Dzeko rumours and claimed there were 100 to 150 Bundesliga players to look at, adding he would not comment any names.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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