Dzeko confirms Pioli wanted him at Milan and reveals what Krunic told him

Edin Dzeko will join up with Stefano Pioli at Fiorentina, and the striker has revealed that it could have happened at AC Milan too.

It was recently confirmed that Pioli will be returning for another stint in Serie A after his experience in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr ended. He spoke at his unveiling press conference on Wednesday and confirmed he was looking at Dzeko while with Milan, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future was uncertain.

Now, the pair are finally together in Florence. The Bosnia international has moved back to Italy following a spell with Fenerbahce in Turkey and – at the age of 39 – he will want to show he still has what it takes to be decisive in a top league.

Dzeko gave an interview to Sky (via MilanNews) in which he spoke about being back in Serie A with La Viola and he revealed some interesting background on Milan’s interest.

Photos: Ahmad Mora + Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

What are your first impressions of Pioli?

“The impressions are very positive. The coach told us what he thinks straight to our faces right from the start. I had a lot of respect for him even as an opponent, and I knew he had a lot of respect for me too, because he often complimented me after matches.

“Rade Krunic also always spoke highly of him. Now we’re working together here at Fiorentina. We’re a team that wants to improve and, if possible, do better than in recent years. I’m happy to work with Pioli.

“I’m available, I came here humbly at 39 from Turkey. I want to give my all, work hard, and help the younger players improve. Did I know he wanted to join Milan? He told me straight away the first day we met here. But I already knew; others had told me.”