Marko Arnautovic has risen to become the record national player in Austria.
The 33-year-old from FC Bologna was in the starting eleven against France in the Nations League in Paris on Thursday evening and completed his 103rd international match for the ÖFB team. He is on the same level as Andreas Herzog. On Sunday in Austria’s home game against Croatia, Arnautovic could even surpass the historic record.
It was “an honor” and made him “proud,” said Arnautovic before the game. The eccentric attacker, who had caused enough escapades in his checkered career, made his debut in 2008. Before the match with the world champions, he scored 33 times.
From “cage kicker and individual player to team player”
The former Werder Bremen striker has always been considered highly talented, but also quick-tempered, self-absorbed and unpredictable. In the ÖFB team, he was even temporarily suspended in 2011 because of a physical altercation.
But he had matured, Arnautovic emphasized before the France game – from “cage kicker and individual player to team player. I’m nothing without a team.”
The Austrian is currently storming for Bologna. Arnautovic has already scored six goals in seven games this season. He is the top scorer in Serie A.
Arnautovic is “a difference player, there aren’t many of those in the world,” praised Union Berlin’s Christopher Trimmel. Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer added: “Many goals, many assists, one constant, one friend. He brings relaxation to the dressing room.”