Edin Džeko: As a striker, you don’t forget how to score goals

“The first game – and to play in this incredible stadium in front of such an outstanding crowd – is always something special,” added the 39-year-old striker. “Scoring straight away makes me really happy.” Džeko initially watched from the sidelines for 67 minutes on Sunday (25/1), having only completed his move to S04 just 72 hours earlier. At 39 years, 10 months and 8 days, he became the second-oldest player ever to make his 2. Bundesliga debut when he came on for Amin Younes – and another milestone followed 20 minutes later. With his goal, the Bosnian became the oldest goalscorer in the division in his very first appearance in the league.

He brilliantly chested the ball down in the box to leave defender Maxwell Gyamfi for dead and then confidently slotted the ball past goalkeeper Julian Krahl. “Even at this age, you don’t forget how to score goals as a striker,” Džeko explained afterwards. “You develop a feel for the right moment – and that’s what I waited for.” Reflecting on how the game unfolded, the 39-year-old summarised: “We’ll gladly take the point after the match looked more or less lost. The team showed real character and the result is good for morale. But of course, there are things we still need to improve.”

Ideally as soon as next Saturday, in the local derby away to VfL Bochum. “I had a bruised foot three weeks ago and I’m glad I’ve already been able to get more than 20 minutes under my belt,” the Bosnian noted. “It’ll get better week by week, and we’re always focused on the next game and what my body can handle.” Until then, Džeko is taking plenty of positive first impressions away from his new footballing home. “I already knew Schalke and the fans from earlier in my career, when I played here with Wolfsburg.” Now being part of it himself fills him with pride: “The stadium and the fans are a real boost for the team. It was a great end to an exciting week.”