‘We are tough’ - Inter star Edin Dzeko sends warning to Man City & expresses affection for ‘my club’

Edin Dzeko has warned Manchester City that Inter Milan will be ‘tough’ opponents to beat in Saturday’s Champions League final.

Pep Guardiola’s side are heavy favourites ahead of the clash in Istanbul against the side who finished third in Serie A, 18 points behind title-winners Napoli. Yet, while most feel it could be a comfortable night for City, Dzeko has pointed to Inter’s impressive record in cup finals this term and said it will not be a straightforward occasion for the Blues.

“Arriving in the final of the Champions League, maybe it only happens [once]. I am 37, it’s my first - you never know but it’s probably my last final,” he told BT Sport. “I want to enjoy it because we had a great season in the Champions League, less good in Serie A but we won two cups: the Super Cup and the Italian Cup.

“We are happy and obviously it’s a big game for the club and all the players because it’s amazing to be in the final. We know that we are going to play against maybe the best team in the world. The whole team has to do more than 100 percent, but we are tough as well.”

Dzeko spent four and a half years at the Etihad and won two Premier League titles with the club. The striker remains a favourite among City fans to this day, something he is well aware of.

“Being in the Champions League final against my club, City, it’s a big thing for me,” he explained. “I am looking forward to it because I will have a lot of fans at the stadium from both sides, I cannot wish for more.

“It’s difficult to speak, I haven’t been there for like eight years. We were a big part of the beginning of the City era, which was the most important I think. I know I meant a lot to the club and the fans.”

Dzeko is remembered particularly fondly for his part in the famous comeback win against Queens Park Rangers which secured City the title in 2012. He netted the equaliser in injury-time, just minutes before Sergio Aguero’s famous winner.

“Obviously Aguero’s goal was just relief and it brought us the title after so many years, so it’s normal that goal is everything,” Dzeko reflected. “My goal was as much important, but people didn’t talk about that. I think it’s important that I know that goal was a huge goal for Man City and the history of the club.”