Edin Dzeko's last dance - a new beginning for Bosnia

Edin Dzeko, when he decides to end his career, will leave behind a rich collection of memories and trophies. Two Premier League titles with Manchester City, successes with Inter Milan and Wolfsburg - these are just some of his achievements. However, the most touching image of this career may be the moment when 40-year-old Dzeko, with his arm in a sling, celebrated Bosnia's advancement to the second World Cup in history after defeating Italy in a penalty shootout. His career is inextricably linked to the country's history - resilience, perseverance and proving one's worth. Bosnia, placed in a group with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar, will begin their campaign against co-hosts Canada. Dzeko, known as the Bosnian Diamond, was shaped by war and suffering. He was only six years old when the Bosnian War began in 1992, resulting in the deaths of approximately 80,000 Bosnian Muslims. His family remained in Sarajevo during the nearly four-year siege of the city. Young Dzeko often played on the local pitch, but one day his mother told him to stay home - that day a shell fell on the pitch, killing several children. After the war, DŽeko began his football adventure with the local club Željezničar, but initially he was underestimated. Years later, Dzeko became the first player to score at least 50 goals in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A, but he did not forget his roots. In 2009, he became the first UNICEF ambassador from Bosnia.  His friend Mirza Trbonja says: "When he comes over, you need a lasso to catch him for 10 minutes. He never refuses a photo or an autograph." Dzeko made his international debut in 2007 and now holds the records for appearances (148) and goals (73) for Bosnia. After losing to Portugal in the play-offs for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Dzeko helped Bosnia qualify for a major international event for the first time in 2014. After 12 years, Bosnia overcame their play-off demons, beating Wales and then Italy on penalties. Sergej Barbarez's squad combines experience with youth. Seventeen of the 26 players were born outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among them is Esmir Bajraktarević, who scored the decisive penalty goal against Italy. His story, like many others, shows unity and pride in representing Bosnia. After the match against Italy, thousands of fans took to the streets, celebrating until dawn. Despite the lack of investment and sports infrastructure, the future of the national team looks promising. Dzeko as captain symbolizes a new era of Bosnian football. "For younger players, he became a permanent reference point," says journalist Sasa Ibrulj. Dzeko is not going to the World Cup to support from the bench. After scoring the equalizer against Wales and assisting against Italy, the 40-year-old shows he still has a lot to offer. "I didn't think I would be playing at the age of 40, but I listen to my body and do a lot of work to be able to do it," says Dzeko.