Marko Arnautovic has been in Vienna for a week and a half. Austria’s soccer player of the year 2018 visits his parents and brother in the federal capital and is waiting for approval for the onward journey to China to his club Shanghai SIPG, so there was time for the presentation of his “Arnautovic Gin” on Thursday.
On this occasion, the 31-year-old commented in APA-Interview, among other things, about his current situation, his plans for the ÖFB national team and about David Alaba’s qualities as a central defender.
When can you go back to your club?
Arnautovic: “I am in regular contact with Shanghai SIPG, but as you know, China still has borders. I keep myself fit, train with a personal coach every day and try to get back to China as fit as possible. As soon as I do I can fly back. I feel fit, if it is up to me, I could play again right away, but of course the units with the team are missing. “
How much do you miss the team training and the games?
Arnautovic: “Very much because football is part of my life. I want to play games and train with the boys again as soon as possible, but we are in a special situation, and this situation has to be respected. But it is also a good one Time to spend with the family. You can also focus on other things. “
The European Championship was postponed by a year due to the corona pandemic – do you see this as an advantage or disadvantage for the ÖFB selection?
Arnautovic: “We had big plans for EURO this year, but you have to accept the situation. Football is not always number one. Now we can prepare even more for next year. I am glad that many of our players perform and develop in the German Bundesliga. “
Most recently, David Alaba has also developed – he is highly praised as the new Bayern defense chief. Should he also play as a central defender on the national team?
Arnautovic: “He should play where the coach puts him. Central defense is probably good for him. I don’t follow the German league too much, but I hear a lot of good things about him. David is an all-round player, he can bring his qualities anywhere . “
They are still 18 goals short of Toni Polster’s ÖFB record and 18 international appearances on Andreas Herzog’s record. Will you still reach these brands?
Arnautovic: “If the players next to me continue to feed me, the goals may go away, but 18 goals is a difficult thing. But I expect that I will break the Duke record.”
Will you only be seen in national team dress in Europe or is it possible to return to a European league?
Arnautovic: “I have a contract in China (note: until the end of 2022) that I respect and I am happy there. Whether I am going to Europe again or not, I am currently not thinking about it.”
In international sport, protests have increased after the violent death of George Floyd. How do you feel about it?
Arnautovic: “I have a lot of dark-skinned friends. You have to respect everyone, no matter where they come from or their skin color. What happened in America is sad and violent. I am 100 percent behind the protests.”
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