In 2019, Arnautovic transferred from West Ham in England to Shanghai Port in China on a four-year contract. A salary of USD 13 million per year was a dream for a player who had scored only 43 goals in six Premier League seasons. However, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the situation changed.
Arnautovic recalled being quarantined three times in a hotel, each for two weeks, upon arriving in China. He described his time in isolation as a nightmare, citing rooms without windows or towels and "terrible" food. Even regular phone calls with his family could not prevent him from experiencing depression. Consequently, he chose to forfeit nearly USD 30 million in salary over the final two years of his contract to move to Italy and play for Bologna.
"At times, I questioned if that money was worth sacrificing this life and being separated from my family. It truly wasn't. I felt depressed and lost my joy", Arnautovic stated.
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Arnautovic (left) celebrates a goal during Austria's 3-1 victory over Jordan in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, USA on 16/6. Photo: AP |
Although no longer earning the significant sums he did in China, Arnautovic's career in Italy flourished differently. After scoring 25 goals in 58 matches for Bologna, he returned to Inter, becoming a crucial substitute. With Inter, he secured the 2023 Italy Super Cup and the 2024 Serie A title, also reaching the 2025 Champions League final. From summer 2025, he moved to Serbia to join Red Star Belgrade.
Arnautovic currently holds two records for the Austrian national team: 134 appearances and 48 goals. At age 37, he remains a key player for the squad, which is ranked 24th by FIFA. In Austria's 2026 World Cup opener on 16/6, coming on as a substitute, Arnautovic's presence led to a Jordan defender scoring an own goal, making the score 2-1. He then converted a penalty to secure a 3-1 victory.
Key moments from Austria's 3-1 victory over Jordan in Group J of the 2026 World Cup on 16/6.
"I am very happy and delighted with the victory. While I am pleased with my goal, the team's success is what matters most", Arnautovic commented.
On the evening of 22/6, Arnautovic and his teammates will face defending champions Argentina in their second Group J match. The result could determine the group leader and qualification for the next stage. Argentina currently leads the group after a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match.
Key moments from Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J of the 2026 World Cup on 16/6.
When facing Argentina, Arnautovic will reunite with Lautaro Martinez, a former Inter teammate from the 2023-2025 period. Walter Samuel, another former Inter teammate from 2010, is currently an assistant coach for Argentina.
Austria had missed six consecutive World Cups from 2002 to 2022. Their recent victory against Jordan marked their first World Cup win since 1990. Austria also competed in the 1998 tournament, where they recorded two draws and one loss, leading to their elimination from the group stage.
Under Ralf Rangnick's leadership since 2022, Austria is no longer considered an underdog in major tournaments. Rangnick, known as a "maestro" of transition play, is implementing a system that allows Austria to quickly regain possession and launch direct attacks, catching opponents off guard. At Euro 2024, Austria notably topped a group that included France, the Netherlands, and Poland.
Thanh Quy (according to Clarin)
