AS Roma striker Edin Dzeko says Chelsea's 'money doesn't matter' after reaching Uefa Champions League semi-finals

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Edin Dzeko insisted "money doesn't matter" when asked about rejecting Chelsea having on Tuesday guided Roma to the Champions League semi-finals.

The striker opened the scoring at Stadio Olimpico before winning a penalty which was converted by Daniele De Rossi as Roma pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win to knock out Barcelona on away goals.

The former Manchester City striker was a target for Chelsea throughout January until the Blues moved on to Olivier Giroud on deadline day.

When asked about Chelsea's interest, Dzeko told reporters: "It wasn't easy, but I stayed here and am very happy to be here.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

"I think the club is glad, too. Let's not talk about [the move]. Money doesn't matter."

Of the result, Dzeko said: "This was the best, but even better may well be yet to come. It proved we can play against anyone, as Barcelona are such a strong side. We put three goals past them and could’ve had more.

"I have never seen Barcelona struggle so much. We pressed them constantly from the first minute.

He added: "We all believed, even if everyone else gave us a five per cent chance. We knew it’d be tough to win 3-0, but now we’ve done it in such a splendid way, I can safely say Roma are deservedly in the Champions League semi-final.

"Every time we’ve faced the big clubs, we have won or got a positive result. Perhaps it’s our fault, as when we are the favourites in a tie, we think for some reason it might be easy, but it never is easy."

Photo: REUTERS
REUTERS

Roma make up the last four of the European Cup for the first time since losing to Liverpool in the 1984 final and Dzeko is now looking forward to Friday's draw.

He added: "Nobody believed in us and we have reached the semi-final for the first time in the Champions League. I am very happy that I can watch the draw for the semi-finals and see my Roma there."

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