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Bosnian captain recalls war, urges children to believe in the impossible
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Bosnian captain recalls war, urges children to believe in the impossible

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko penned an emotional letter to the country's children, drawing parallels between his childhood war experiences and the team's World Cup aspirations.
  • Dzeko, who was six when the Bosnian War began, urged children to believe in the impossible, stating that "nothing is impossible."
  • He emphasized national pride and unity, dedicating his play to the children of Sarajevo and all cultures and religions that make Bosnia beautiful.

Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko has shared a powerful message with the nation's children, linking his harrowing childhood memories of the Bosnian War to the team's current World Cup campaign. In an open letter, the 40-year-old forward urged young Bosnians to hold onto their dreams and believe in the impossible, drawing strength from his own experiences.

Nothing is impossible. Not even taking Bosnia and Herzegovina to the World Cup.

— Edin DzekoInspiring children with a message of hope and possibility.

Dzeko, who was just six years old when the war broke out and lived through the siege of Sarajevo, recalled the daily fear and the dangers of playing outside due to snipers. He conveyed that "nothing is impossible," even for Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the World Cup, a sentiment he hopes will inspire the next generation.

We have the good fortune to be from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

— Edin DzekoExpressing love and pride for his country.

The Schalke 04 player, who has also played for top clubs like Manchester City and Inter Milan, stressed the importance of loving their country. He dedicated his performance to the children of Sarajevo and to the diverse cultures and religions that define Bosnia. Dzeko asserted that those who seek to divide the nation will ultimately fail, referencing the lingering ethnic tensions among Muslims, Croats, and Serbs.

We were afraid every day.

— Edin DzekoRecounting his childhood experiences during the war.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is participating in its second World Cup, having previously competed in 2014. In the current tournament, they are grouped with Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. Dzeko's heartfelt message serves as a reminder of the country's resilience and the enduring hope that fuels its national team.

I play for the boys and girls in the streets of Sarajevo. I play for all the different cultures and religions that make my country beautiful.

— Edin DzekoExplaining his motivation and dedication.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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