'I had a panic attack' - Inter star Marko Arnautovic admits he felt 'afraid' during Austria's draw with Serbia due to mental health episode

The experienced forward, who is now on the books of Serie A giants Inter, lined up for his country in a UEFA Nations League play-off clash with Serbia. He was able to complete the full 90 minutes, earning his 121st cap in the process.

There were, however, fears at one stage that Arnautovic may have to be withdrawn. That is because the stress of international action unexpectedly got the better of a man that is now 35 years of age and has spent his entire career performing at the highest level.

Arnautovic told BILD of the mental struggles that he endured during another test of his physical conditioning: "I felt a strong bit of pressure in the upper part of my stomach, at the same time I had a panic attack and I don’t know why.

"The doctor game me a quick look over, gave me a remedy and then everything was back in place and I was able to continue. Suddenly I had nausea and dizziness, maybe it was because of the pain in my knee, a very strong pain in the front of the kneecap. But then everything went well again and I continued to play."

Arnautovic reiterated that claim when speaking to reporters in the mixed zone afterwards, as he said of a concerning episode that he remains unable to explain: "I suddenly felt afraid, I felt sick and dazed, maybe because of the really strong pain I felt in my knee before."

Austria were held to a 1-1 draw on home soil by Serbia, meaning that there is still all to play for in the second leg of their Nations League encounter on Sunday. Arnautovic is expected to line up again in that contest as an integral part of former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick’s plans.