Ruben Dias pays tribute to Inter star for contribution to Manchester City’s success

Manchester City and Portugal international centre-back Ruben Dias has paid tribute to the contributions of Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko with regards to the club’s success.

En route to a historic treble this month, Pep Guardiola and his squad claimed victory in Istanbul through a 1-0 Champions League final success over Inter, despite a commendable performance from the Serie A giants.

One player above all that received an exemplary reception from the travelling Manchester City support was Bosnia & Herzegovina international Edin Dzeko, after the now 37-year-old’s commitments to the club between 2011 and 2016.

City centre-back Ruben Dias managed to contain the threat of the travelled forward last Saturday, but was keen to praise his contributions to both Inter, European football, and the growth of Manchester City to the point of winning Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in their history.

Speaking while on international duty with Portugal this week, Dias explained, “Much respect for the player he is. I congratulated him at the end. He was part of what we achieved at another time at the club. He’s a top-level player and will give me work.”

The Manchester City vice-captain represents his nation just days after concluding celebrations with his club teammates, in a relentless 72-hour period that saw squad members party in Istanbul, Ibiza, and Manchester with the club’s support.

Dias jokingly asked for forgiveness when addressing the media this week, as he continued, “If my voice fails, understand. It is a special, unique moment, but at the same time the feeling that the season is not over.

“Now there are two very important games for our work in the national team. Any player would love to come and represent our country in the circumstances I’m doing now.”

Following Portugal’s international commitments in the coming days, Ruben Dias and the rest of his City teammates who are currently away on national duties will jet off for a period of rest ahead of the new campaign.

Manchester City are understood to be expected back for pre-season training during the final weeks of July, before the club head to Asia for a tour that will see them take on Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and South Korea.

Pep Guardiola will not allow for any rest from his players despite their outstanding achievements this season, as he eyes a fourth successive Premier League crown and the retaining of their European title.