Edin Džeko says emotional goodbye to international football in final Bosnia & Herzegovina appearance

Edin Džeko made his final appearance for Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday in a 1-1 draw with Sweden. - © IMAGO/Samir Jordamovic

Edin Džeko made his final appearance for Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday in a 1-1 draw with Sweden. - © IMAGO/Samir Jordamovic

Edin Džeko made his final appearance for Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday, captaining the team to a 1-1 draw against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League as he said an emotional goodbye to international football.

After featuring for Bosnia at this past summer's FIFA World Cup, Džeko had announced he would retire from international football following one final outing, which came against Sweden.

Although he could not inspire his team to victory, he played 63 minutes and wore the captain's armband in front of a sell-out crowd in Zenica. He would have had the perfect farewell if his goal in first-half injury-time not been ruled out by VAR, but it was a memorable evening nonetheless.

"The emotions are mixed. It's been very emotional, not only today, but also the last few days since I made that decision," Džeko explained after full-time.

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"I'm leaving happy because I know I gave my all. I'm leaving the team in good shape, with a lot of quality and guys who love Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even though I'm leaving the field, the connection between me and this national team and these guys will remain forever. I'm a part of them and they're a part of me."

During a special evening, the Bosnian footballing community celebrated the Schalke striker in many different ways. In the 11th minute, to celebrate the number 11 Džeko wears for the national team, fireworks were lit up in the stadium. When he was substituted off shortly after the hour mark, the whole stadium, as well as all the players, applauded him off the pitch one final time.

A giant Džeko shirt was unveiled in the Bosnia capital, Sarajevo, to celebrate the 40-year-old striker. - IMAGO/Samir Jordamovic