“It was almost like a fairy tale!”

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It comes as no surprise, now it is a fact: with a three-minute video that FCZ publishes on its channels, FCZ icon Blerim Dzemaili announces his resignation at the end of the season. After 20 years of professional football. After careful consideration, the 37-year-old said in the final scene that he had decided to end his work as a professional football player. “Thank you. Thank you to my family, thank you to all the fans, especially the south stand. Thank you to all presidents, sports directors and teammates. You have all made me what I am. Thank you for everything! Elegance!”. Meanwhile, his work equipment, football boots in hand, he disappears through the players’ tunnel in the heart of the Letzigrund.

A big name in Swiss football leaves with Dzemaili. Three national titles and a cup win with FCZ. Two cup titles with Napoli. Turkish Champion and Cup and Supercup wins with Galatasaray. 69-time national player with three World Cup participations and one European Championship participation. “I am proud of it and will always be grateful to Switzerland for it.”

Super League debut in 2003 against FC Basel

On July 16, 2003, as a 17-year-old, he made his professional debut away in Basel under Lucien Favre as a right back in front of more than 30,000 spectators. Opponents and teammates from then such as Chipperfield, Rossi, Gimenez, Yakin or Petrosyan, Simo or Bastida have long since resigned. “I still remember my first classic like it was yesterday,” says Dzemaili.

In the summer of 2007, Dzemaili moved. He plays for nine clubs in five countries. He is particularly fond of Italy, where he plays for Napoli, Parma, Bologna, Turin and Genoa. “Italy has played a very important role in my life. Especially the two cup victories with Napoli and the party in the city remain unforgettable. » In January 2021 he will return to his parent club FCZ. Many adventures, successes, experiences and a big wish in the luggage. “I was very motivated and really wanted to celebrate another title with my heart club.”

“It makes me very proud!”

A year and a half later, what almost no one thought possible happened. Dzemaili and “his” team from Zurich, who fought against relegation last season, become sensational Swiss champions. Above all, the title will be won with a victory against great rivals FC Basel on May 1. “We were able to bring the bucket back to Zurich after 13 years. It’s almost like a fairy tale and a closed circle that I’m very proud of!” says the man from Zurich.

Dzemaili will play his last and 19th derby on Sunday. His record against GC so far is tied with five wins, five losses and 8 draws. Bet the veteran will do everything he can to retire with a positive Derby record.

Source : Blick