Speaking in a full-length interview for CITY+, Dzeko stated that the Belgian defender was the ‘best’ captain for City during Roberto Mancini’s tenure.
The pair were team-mates as Mancini’s side lifted the FA Cup in 2011, City’s first major trophy in 35 years.
They then went on to lift the Premier League title in dramatic circumstances just 12 months later, breaking a top-flight title drought of 44 years for the Club.
Dzeko then remained at the Club until a loan move to Roma in 2015, while Kompany was Club captain until his departure in 2019.
Dzeko insists that Kompany’s attitude on and off the pitch was crucial in turning City into a Club that demands success.
He said: “He was a great captain. He was the best captain we could have had at that time because he was a great leader and he was always a positive guy.
“He just thinks about which is best for the team. Sometimes we used to call him a professor because he was always reading books when we on the coach to away games.
“He always had two or three books with him. Vinnie was a great captain and he was definitely one of the biggest influences for City’s progression in the last 10 years.”
The Bosnian striker, who hit 72 goals in 189 matches for City, also has fond memories of the City fans from his time at the Etihad Stadium.
“I remember the song, which I liked very much,” he smiled.
“I’m so happy to be part of the team that won five trophies when I was there.”
We all remember that the FA Cup was the key for the players and fans for then winning the Premier League the next season after 44 years, which was the turning point for City’s history.
Dzeko’s interview was filmed for our documentary, 93:20: The ultimate Premier League finale, which covers the final six matches of that era-defining 2011/12 campaign.
