Just a few days after suffering a torn cruciate ligament, Real Madrid’s David Alaba was named Footballer of the Year in his home country of Austria. The 31-year-old defender, who with 105 international matches in the association’s history is only surpassed by Marko Arnautovic (statistics), was given the honor for the tenth time. While ÖFB coach Ralf Rangnick congratulated his protégé, he also confirmed that, with a view to Alaba’s participation in the EURO 2024 in Germany, everything would be done for the ex-Bayern professional’s quick recovery.
“I would like to warmly congratulate David on being chosen as Austria’s Footballer of the Year. The fact that he has now received this award for the tenth time shows his extraordinary and unique position in Austrian football,” said Rangnick. The operation following the injury suffered last Sunday in the LaLiga game against Villarreal was successful and the player is doing well “under the circumstances”. “I have already discussed with David that we will do everything together to ensure that he is fit for the Euros. He will receive every support from the ÖFB. We can’t say now whether it will work out, but we’ll try,” the coach continued.
Arnautovoic twice in the top 5: Most expensive Austrians in football
20 – Aleksandar Dragovic – to Dynamo Kiev for €10m
Alaba Austria’s Footballer of the Year: “The figurehead”
ÖFB President Klaus Mitterdorfer described Alaba as “the figurehead of Austrian football. He serves as a role model and idol for countless children and young people. He has matured into an absolute leader in recent years.” Alaba, whose highest market value of 65 million euros dates back to the 2019/20 season (see history), is the record holder in terms of the award ahead of Ivica Vastic (4) and Herbert Prohaska (3). The Vienna native said: “This is a huge honor. Something that really always makes me proud and makes me very happy. Ten times, that’s something special again and I’m incredibly grateful.”
The stadiums for the 2024 European Championship: Which group games will take place where?
Olympic Stadium in Berlin (intl. spectators: 70,000)
Group A: Germany – Scotland (June 14, 9 p.m.) Group E: Romania – Playoff winner B (June 17, 3 p.m.) Group C: Slovenia – Serbia (June 20, 3 p.m.) Group C: Denmark – Serbia (June 25, 9 p.m.)
Group B: Italy – Albania (June 15, 9 p.m.) Group F: Turkey – Playoff winner C (June 18, 6 p.m.) Group F: Türkiye – Portugal (June 22, 6 p.m.) Group D: France – Playoff winner A (June 25, 6 p.m.)
Group B: Hungary – Switzerland (June 15, 3 p.m.) Group A: Scotland v Switzerland (June 19, 9pm) Group E: Belgium – Romania (June 22, 9 p.m.) Group C: England v Slovenia (June 25, 9pm)
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