Clashing With The Coach, Edin Dzeko Is Removed From The Position Of Captain Of Rome

Edin Dzeko (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The aging attacker Edin Dzeko has been removed from the position of captain of AS Roma after being involved in an argument with head coach Paulo Fonseca.

Despite being removed from office, Roma general manager, Tiago Pinto, stated that Dzeko and Fonseca had resolved the dispute between the two sides.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina national team star has been exiled from the Roma squad since the last 16 defeat against Spezia in the Coppa Italia on January 19.

In fact, Italian media reported that the 34-year-old striker was set to be sold in the winter transfer window after training separately from his colleagues.

"Regarding the position of captain, as a club we must apply discipline," said Pinto in a press conference quoted by Reuters from Reuters on Thursday morning WIB.

"Now Dzeko is not the captain of Rome. We will continue to work together for the benefit of Roma in the future," he added.

Since signing from Manchester City in 2016, Dzeko has played an important role for Roma and this season he has scored eight goals for the Giallorossi in 20 games in all competitions.

Dzeko's form has helped Roma occupy third place in the Italian League and reach the knockout stages of the Europa League.

"Football is like a family and in every family there are always problems and clarifications. When that is resolved, the family will become stronger," said Pinto.

"Dzeko is a professional footballer, a figure of strong character who has a good history with Roma. Goodness with Roma is more important than personal interests," he concluded.

Roma are scheduled to visit the headquarters of reigning champions Juventus on Saturday, 6 February.