Marko Arnautovic and the Austrian national team (ÖFB) share a special bond.
The 35-year-old striker has become a fan favorite over the years and is the undisputed record international player for the ÖFB with 116 appearances. The technically gifted attacker also represented Austria at Euro 2024. “Arni”, as he is affectionately called by the fans, played in all four European Championship games. In the last three matches, he wore the captain’s armband in David Alaba’s absence.
However, following Austria’s elimination from the tournament, the question arises: Is it time for Arnautovic to draw a line under his eventful career with the national team?
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Big thanks to fans and coaching team
Although his recent Instagram post does not directly address this question, ÖFB fans can still be hopeful regarding Arnautovic’s future with the national team.
“At the beginning of the European Championship, we had only one goal: to make Austria proud. Every drop of sweat, every hard training session, and every moment on the pitch was for you—our incredible fans. You were our twelfth man, both in the stadiums and in front of the screens at home. Your passion and support drove us, every minute, in every game,” the Inter Milan forward begins his emotional message.
“This journey ends here, but our dreams and our pride remain unbroken,” he writes, referring to Austria’s probable premature exit from the European Championship.
He also expresses gratitude to the support staff who work behind the scenes with the ÖFB team: “A huge thank you to the coaching team, who always believed in us and motivated us to surpass ourselves. You showed us that nothing is impossible if we stick together as a team.”
Arnautovic also expressed his gratitude to his teammates: “To my teammates, you have become not only teammates to me, but brothers. We fought, suffered, and celebrated together. These memories will remain in our hearts forever.”
Cryptic message
“This defeat hurts, but it will not define us. We will come back stronger. For you. For us. For Austria. Again and once more, once more and once more, once more and once more Austria!”
Whether it’s a farewell message or a hint that he’ll continue his career in the red-white-red jersey, the cryptic final words leave fans wanting more. His 37th goal for the ÖFB team in the 3-1 victory once morest Poland might not have been his last.
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Marko Arnautovic and the ÖFB: A Special Relationship
Marko Arnautovic and the Austrian national team, the ÖFB, have a special bond. The 35-year-old centre-forward has become a fan favorite over the years, cementing his position as the undisputed record international player with 116 appearances for the ÖFB team. His technical skill and attacking prowess have made him a crucial element for the Austrian team, and he’s also been a consistent presence in major tournaments. At Euro 2024, affectionately nicknamed “Arni” by the fans, he played in all four games for Austria, even taking on the captain’s armband in the absence of David Alaba in the last three matches.
Speculation After Euro 2024
However, the team’s early exit at the tournament has sparked speculation regarding Arnautovic’s future with the national team. His latest Instagram post, while expressing gratitude and pride, hasn’t definitively answered the question of whether he will continue playing for the ÖFB.
Arnautovic’s Emotional Message on Instagram
“At the start of the European Championship, we had only one goal: to make Austria proud. Every drop of sweat, every hard training session and every moment on the pitch was for you – our incredible fans. You were our twelfth man, both in the stadiums and in front of the screens at home. Your passion and support drove us, every minute, in every game,” he wrote, highlighting the unwavering support from the Austrian fans.
He continued, “This journey ends here, but our dreams and our pride remain unbroken,” acknowledging the premature European Championship exit. He then expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff, “A huge thank you to the coaching team, who always believed in us and motivated us to surpass ourselves. You showed us that nothing is impossible if we stick together as a team.”
A Bond Deeper Than Football
Arnautovic also shared his appreciation for his teammates, writing, “To my teammates, you have become not only teammates to me, but brothers. We fought, suffered and celebrated together. These memories will remain in our hearts forever.”
An Ambiguous Farewell?
His final words on the post, however, were cryptic and left fans wondering regarding his future,”This defeat hurts, but it will not define us. We will come back stronger. For you. For us. For Austria. Again and once more, once more and once more, once more and once more Austria!”
The ambiguity of his message has fuelled speculation. Could it be a farewell to international football or a promise to continue playing for the ÖFB? Only time will tell if his 37th goal for Austria once morest Poland was his last.
Marko Arnautovic’s Impact on Austrian Football:
Marko Arnautovic’s contributions to Austrian football extend beyond his impressive statistics. He has become a symbol of Austrian pride and a role model for aspiring young players. His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the national team have inspired a generation of fans and athletes. Whether he decides to continue playing for the ÖFB or not, his legacy as a legend of Austrian football is already secured.
Arnautovic’s Influence:
His influence goes beyond the pitch too. He has become a vocal advocate for social justice and equality and has used his platform to raise awareness of important issues. His willingness to speak out once morest injustice and stand up for what he believes in has earned him respect from fans and peers alike.
What’s Next for Arnautovic?
As Arnautovic contemplates his future, one thing is certain: his contributions to Austrian football have been profound and lasting. Whether he chooses to continue playing for the ÖFB or not, his impact on the team and the nation will continue to be felt for years to come. The story of Marko Arnautovic and the Austrian national team is far from over.
