Lazaro: "Will never write off the ÖFB team"

Valentino Lazaro has played a total of 36 international matches in his career. However, the last one dates back to June 13, 2022.

Since then, the winger, who has been playing for Al Ain (UAE) since this summer, has been waiting for another call-up. He reveals that after his last game four years ago, he "didn't receive another call, without a reason, without a conversation. That already hurt me," says the 36-cap international.

"If a call comes..."

However, he hasn't written off the ÖFB team because of it, as he explains to "Bild" reporter Michel Schröer in a podcast interview.

"As a footballer, I will never write it off. If a call comes, it's not off my list," emphasizes the 30-year-old. Of course, he is also realistic. "I was a regular starter in Serie A for the last four years, had very good spells, and didn't get a call then," Lazaro explains.

No Naivety

Now that he has made the move from FC Torino to Al Ain in the Emirates, he knows "that the call is rather unlikely to come anymore. I'm not so naive as to say: 'I wait every day for the call to come'." Nevertheless, he hopes it will happen.

In November, Ralf Rangnick will announce his next squad. It is highly unlikely that Lazaro will be a part of it.