Edin Dzeko has revealed a falling out with Manuel Pellegrini led to his exit from Manchester City in 2015.
The striker played as back-up to Sergio Aguero for much of his time at the Etihad, but still managed to return a credible scoring record, with 72 goals in 189 appearances.
Dzeko helped City to two Premier League titles, and FA Cup and a League Cup before he decided to move to Roma in 2015, initially on loan before making the deal permanent the following summer.
Since then, the Bosnian has established himself as one of the best strikers in Serie A, with 119 goals in 260 appearances for Roma before he made the move to defending champions Inter Milan during the summer.
But things could have been very different for Dzeko, and he could well have still been at City had it not been for a disagreement with former boss Pellegrini.
“I was at the best moment of my career and I didn't want to be on the bench, so I chose Roma,” Dzeko told Corriere della Sport.
“I do not regret it at all, on the contrary.
“By the way, I left England with a three-year contract, I did not agree with coach Manuel Pellegrini in City.
“I didn't manage to win only a trophy in Roma, but it was a wonderful six years. A few ups and downs for me and Roma, but I carry that club in my heart. I'm at Inter now and I want a Scudetto.”
Dzeko’s form at Roma led to him securing a move to Inter during the summer, where he replaced the Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.
It wasn’t the first time a move to Inter had been touted, with now-Tottenham boss Antonio Conte a big fan of his, having also tried to secure him during his time in charge of Chelsea.
“He wanted me, but I was not sure about returning to England,” Dzeko said on Conte's interest.
“As soon as he arrived at Inter, he tried to bring me in again. Now is the time for me to play for Inter, our paths have joined.”
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