Džeko opens up before World Cup: 'I survived hell, 15 of us slept on the floor while shells fell'

Bosnia and Herzegovina's national football team captain, Edin Džeko, has penned an emotional letter to the children of his homeland, sharing profound memories of his childhood during the siege of Sarajevo. The letter, published by The Players' Tribune ahead of the team's World Cup match against Canada, offers a stark look at the realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Džeko, now 40, recounted the harrowing experience of living through the siege that began when he was six years old. He described cramped conditions in a small, 40-square-meter apartment where fifteen people slept on the floor, constantly under threat from snipers and explosions. During this dark period, games like Monopoly provided a temporary escape from the grim reality.

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War made no sense. So many innocent people were killed, and for what? For money. Power. Someone's ego. And in fact, for nothing. Today, when I see war anywhere in the world on the news, I feel sick to my stomach. I don't want to see it anymore, anywhere in the world.

Reflecting on the conflict, Džeko expressed deep disillusionment with the motivations behind war. "War made no sense. So many innocent people were killed, and for what? For money. Power. Someone's ego. And in fact, for nothing," he wrote, adding that he feels nauseous seeing war on the news today.

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Growing up in war. Suddenly I was living in a fairy tale.

The footballer also highlighted the crucial role his father played in his life, driving him to training sessions and instilling values of kindness and respect for all people. Džeko's journey from playing on scorched earth fields in Sarajevo to becoming a celebrated player for clubs like Manchester City and Roma is a testament to his perseverance. He emphasized that "nothing is ever impossible," drawing parallels between his childhood struggles and his dreams of playing in the World Cup, a feat he first achieved in 2014 and is now set to experience again.

Concluding his letter, Džeko addressed the divisions within his homeland, urging unity and pride in their shared identity as Bosnians and Herzegovinians. He stressed that regardless of religious or geographical background, they should never forget their roots and should embrace the world as their own. His message is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of conflict and the importance of hope and national pride.

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It doesn't matter if you live in Sarajevo, Rome, or St. Louis... It doesn't matter if you are Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, or Orthodox.... Never forget where you come from. You are Bosnians and Herzegovinians. The world is yours.