Edin Dzeko still 'hungry' ahead of Bundesliga campaign with Schalke

The veteran striker made the comments at a press conference on Tuesday as he prepared for his return to Germany's top flight. Dzeko previously enjoyed a memorable spell with Wolfsburg between 2007 and 2011, winning the Bundesliga title in the 2008/09 season, and his experience is expected to be a valuable asset for Schalke.

Over the past six months, the Bosnian forward played a key role in Schalke's promotion campaign, contributing six goals and three assists before returning to the club permanently.

Dzeko is eager to compete in the Bundesliga once again, but the experienced attacker has no intention of setting a specific goals target for the season. Instead, he is focused on helping Schalke establish themselves after their return to the top flight.

"I still have a passion for football and remain hungry," Dzeko said. "I'm certain that I can still offer something to Schalke and help the team.

"If I didn't think so, I would've just stayed on vacation. On top of that, my wife and children told me I should keep playing. They'll now be moving to Germany to join me."

He added: "My plan from the very beginning was to come back - and that's worked out now. I did have other options in the summer, but I really only wanted to keep playing for Schalke.

"Naturally, it won't be easy as a newly promoted tea, especially against big sides where we'll need a lot of patience. But I'm 100 per cent certain that we'll be ready when the time comes, and we'll try to keep every point at the Veltins-Arena."