After the World Cup Exit, Arnautovic Hits the Ground Running at His New Club

Emotional Farewell from the ÖFB Stage

The fact that these quotes emerged from the disappointment over the elimination was made clear by the scenes after the match. "It hits me that from now on I won't see my second family on the pitch anymore," the record man openly admitted after the World Cup exit. Tears on the field accompanied the farewell from teammates and supporters alike.

While the Austrian public mourned the loss of its record player, the next chapter was already being announced. Red Star Belgrade published photos of the striker in training gear on Instagram, writing: "Guess who's back." The response among the traditional club's supporters was enthusiastic.

Fresh Start in Belgrade

The return to his old stomping ground made international headlines, as the striker had already been active for the Serbian club in earlier years. In Belgrade, those in charge are hoping for fresh impulses for the upcoming domestic and international challenges.

At the same time, fans in Austria were mainly preoccupied with the question of the sporting new beginning without their longtime goal-getter. The timing of the first training session on the 18th was deliberately staged by the club to publicly accompany the transition from international to club career.

On social media, reactions came thick and fast. While domestic followers watched the farewell with wistfulness, the Belgrade fans celebrated the return with loud declarations of joy. The player himself was initially reserved in his comments, referring to the upcoming tasks with his new club.

Reactions in Austria and Serbia

The coming weeks will show in what form the striker returns to the pitch after the emotional strain of the World Cup exit. Observers expect that he could take on a leadership role at Red Star Belgrade. The sporting constellation of experience and remaining ability is considered promising.

With a view to the upcoming competitive fixtures, the club explained that the integration of the new signing should proceed gradually. Coach and management expressed optimism that, despite the disappointment in the ÖFB jersey, the player would quickly find his old strength again.

While discussions about the future of the national team without its record goalscorer continue in Austria, the focus in Belgrade has already shifted to concrete sporting goals. Expectations of the new arrival are high, while it is also openly acknowledged that a settling-in period will be necessary.

Outlook for the Coming Season

In conclusion, it can be said that the striker's career in the ÖFB jersey may be over, but his footballing journey is far from finished. The move to Red Star Belgrade opens up the possibility for the player to set new accents at club level and bring his experience into a different footballing context.

For the Austrian fans, the memory of 137 caps and 49 goals remains, while the Belgrade supporters are already celebrating the return of their lost son – an emotional transition that will leave its mark on both camps.