Understanding the Dzeko Decision Through The Clash

Darling, you got to let me know / Should I stay or should I go? / If you say that you are mine / I’ll be here till the end of time / So you got to let me know / Should I stay or should I go?

Well, this refers to the first few weeks of the transfer saga. It’s not that Roma and Dzeko hated each other, but after four seasons perhaps it was time that both parties chose different paths.

Deep down in his heart, though Edin was tempted to stay in Rome because he likes the club, city and fans. After successful spells in Germany and England, Italy was his third major league and Serie A may be the one that suits him the most at this point of his career: At a slower pace, more tactical and less intensive than Bundesliga or EPL, Italy perfect for his style of play. While Conte and Inter tried to lure Edin to Milano, he always knew he was bound to stay at Roma. They just needed to show the man some love and persuade him. “If you say that you are mine, I’ll be here till the end of time.”

It’s always tease, tease, tease/ You’re happy when I’m on my knees / One day it’s fine and next it’s black / So if you want me off your back / Well, come on and let me know / Should I stay or should I go?

The thing is, the management seriously considered selling Dzeko. As a 33-year-old with a hefty salary and just one year left on his contract, the time to cash in on Edin was now. And we found a perfect suitor. Inter Milan would go far financially wise for Dzeko, who’s a favorite of Conte. We know this. Inter know that we know this. But we make-believe that we don’t know and Inter make-believe that they believe that we don’t know this, but they know that we know. Everybody knows (courtesy of Under Siege 2).

Roma and its fans were happy every time Edin scored during preseason, because that meant Petrachi could still hang on to that 20m price tag, and rightfully so. Truth be told, Dzeko might be one of the most bipolar guys on the team. Some love him. Some hate him. Some love to hate him. Yes, he scored quite of lot of goals for us. But he also missed quite a few chances and there were reports of a toxic atmosphere in the locker room last season. Rows between Dzeko and SES or Dzeko vs Cristante etc.

When everything went well, Dzeko was our hero. But when at times the club fell apart (for example after the SPAL loss), Dzeko was an outcast, a pariah. “One day it’s fine and next is black.”

Should I stay or should I go now? / Should I stay or should I go now? / If I go, there will be trouble / And if I stay it will be double / So come on and let me know

Self-explanatory. If Dzeko had joined Inter, be damn sure he would have scored a goal or two or three against Roma in the league. Perhaps he would be the man who condemns Roma to fifth place and Inter to a top four CL finish (or more). Because that just how he rolls. If he stays, Roma could risk another poisonous breakout in its locker room and a lot of angry, frustrating tifosi. On top of that, the risk of losing Dzeko for free in 2020. “If I go there will be trouble. And if I stay it will be double.”

This indecision’s bugging me / If you don’t want me, set me free / Exactly whom I’m supposed to be / Don’t you know which clothes even fit me? Come on and let me know / Should I cool it or should I blow?

As the summer passed, Dzeko was getting anxious and tired of waiting. Who would Roma bring in as a replacement? Higuain? Diaz? Sanchez? Icardi? Llorente? Milik? And I’m probably forgetting a dozen names. Edin already made his choice by now and agreed a move to Conte’s Inter, but they didn’t want to cough up 20 million and Petrachi played hardball.

Roma tried but just couldn’t find a suitable replacement while Fonseca openly said that he saw Dzeko as a vital piece of his team. He was a certainty like Florenzi, Ünder or Fazio. Strange, yes, but perhaps small talk and just a smokescreen for ongoing negotiations.

Dzeko’s future was still uncertain two weeks before the season started. Would he wear the black and blue for Inter, or the red and yellow of Roma? “Don’t you know which clothes even fit me?”

So ya gotta let me know / Should I stay or should I go?

August 16, 2019. Edin made a U-turn as he extends his contract at AS Roma until 2022. And so ends all the speculation. Icardi and Higuain blocked the mercato. Dzeko didn’t want to live in doubt anymore. Florenzi’s hugs, Fonseca’s promising words, Juan Jesus’ funny Instagram chats, it probably made Edin change his mind. They let him know he still has unfinished business in Rome. Dzeko stays.

After months of uncertainty, the clash has finally come to an end. Time for a new song.

Roma calling at the top of the dial / And after all this, won’t you give me a smile?