From the 19-year-old boy in the Faroe Islands, an unpolished diamond, a "Rotzbua" as they say in Vienna, to the 37-year-old veteran star in the world's most modern stadium, record national team player, record goal scorer, a living ÖFB legend.
Marko Arnautovic's journey in the Austrian national team jersey ends here. It ends on the stage he always hoped for, always dreamed of.
A Moving Speech in the Dressing Room
It ends with a moving speech in the dressing room after the 0-3 loss against Spain.
"I just spoke to the team. Until the end of my life, I will always be a big brother to them. Behind the scenes, I will continue to support and cheer them on. But it hurts a lot that it was the last time," says the Viennese man through tears.
When he spoke, no eye remained dry. "His words were very emotional, tears flowed," says David Alaba, his companion and friend for more than a decade and a half.
Hugs for Everyone
"A special moment," says Rangnick.
In the dressing room, Arnautovic hugged every single person, teammates and staff. "A goosebumps moment. Sad," says Romano Schmid, "it was a huge privilege to play with Marko."
"Ich habe hier am Anfang Kameraden gehabt, die sind zu meiner Familie geworden"
An often misunderstood witty character, for a long time considered a problem boy. But in recent years, Arnautovic has turned around public perception, becoming "everybody's darling."
One of a Kind
A unique character in a football world where clichés are almost exclusively trotted out, he always speaks his mind.
How does it feel to have worn the ÖFB jersey for the last time? "Catastrophic! I want to thank everyone, the whole nation. Even those who wanted me out for a long time," says Arnautovic.
The striker continued: "I've experienced many beautiful moments, and not-so-beautiful moments too. Now it hurts all the more. I had comrades here at the beginning who became my family. And when I say family, I mean it."
Respect for a Leader
He had long been a leader in the team, a spokesman. "He is an outstanding player, but an even more outstanding human being," says Stefan Posch.
Konrad Laimer adds: "He always gave his all, always led the way. For that, he has my utmost respect."
137 international matches, 49 goals, three European Championships, one World Cup. An incomparable national team career has come to an end.
