Marko Arnautovic: Austria's controversial captain ready for Spain test

Marko Arnautovic, Austria's 37-year-old captain and all-time leading scorer with 49 goals in 116 appearances, is set to face Spain in the World Cup. Known for his fiery temperament and controversial past, the striker has already scored twice in the tournament Source: infobae.

Background and controversies

Arnautovic's career has been marked by incidents. At 19, he was accused of racial abuse by an opponent Source: elmundoes. During his loan at Inter Milan in 2010, he famously missed a training session, arriving five hours early instead, prompting coach José Mourinho to give him his watch as a gift Source: elmundoes. He also clashed with teammate Sokratis Papastathopoulos at Werder Bremen Source: elmundoes.

Role in the Austrian team

Despite his reputation, coach Ralf Rangnick has praised Arnautovic's maturity, saying he values him "not only as a footballer" Source: elmundoes. Arnautovic co-captains the side alongside David Alaba, and their contrasting styles—Alaba's calm versus Arnautovic's intensity—define the team's character Source: infobae.

Upcoming match against Spain

Arnautovic is seen as a key threat ahead of the clash in Los Angeles. He has embraced his "bad boy" image, stating, "I'm not an angel" Source: infobae. Spain, the reigning European champions, will need to contain the veteran forward.