EDIN DZEKO has vowed to stay at Manchester City and fight for his place — even though his boss went window-shopping AGAIN at the weekend.
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Roberto Mancini was spotted in the crowd at Atletico Madrid on Sunday watching £48million-rated Colombian Radamel Falcao.
That comes just a couple of months after the Etihad chief missed out on top summer target Robin van Persie, who left Arsenal for City’s big rivals and neighbours Manchester United.
Dzeko would be the most obvious man to make way if a new forward comes in — although there are doubts over the long-term futures of Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez.
But the Bosnian has looked sharp this season with eight goals to his name already for club and country.
And the former Wolfsburg man, 26, has vowed to carry on doing the business.
He said: “Every time I see a paper, for what seems like a year or more there is a story saying that I am leaving City, or that I want to go.
“But I’ve never said that so the stories don’t come from me. I’ve always wanted to stay at City and fight for my place.
“My motto has always been ‘Never give up’.
“I hope the City fans who have always been fantastic towards me have seen I can score important goals for the team and that’s what I want to carry on doing.”
Dzeko admits he finds it difficult being part of Mancini’s striker pool, which also includes title-winning hero Sergio Aguero.
He has had to get used to being regularly left on the bench for City games and as a result finds it difficult to build up much momentum.
He said: “There is myself and three fantastic strikers so obviously we can’t all play at the same time.
“So sometimes it can be difficult to find your rhythm.
“You could play one game and then be on the bench for the next three.
“I think confidence is the key to playing at your best, of course. Plus the more games you play, the more goals you are likely to score.
“But, as I say, with many good strikers at the club that’s how it’s going to be.
“As a player you accept that and just try your best each time you play. That’s what I do and will continue to do.”
Meanwhile, Atletico’s general manager Gil Marin has hinted the club may look to cash in on Falcao in the summer — but not before.
He said: “That 60 million Euros would solve all the economic problems at Atletico. It would cover our debts.
“I can say for sure though that he will stay with us until the end of the season.”
