Raul Florucz (foto: Aljoša Cankar)
Olimpija’s star Raul Florucz has officially received his first call-up to Austria’s national team, calling it a special moment in his career.
Austria has a new face in the national team—Raul Florucz, the best player in Olimpija Ljubljana, has been officially called up by Ralf Rangnick, as previously reported by Nogomania. This marks another major milestone in his rising career, which has flourished in Slovenia.
Austria over Romania—for now
Florucz had also been on the radar of Romania’s national team, and the possibility of him switching allegiance remains open—particularly if he obtains Romanian citizenship and finds limited opportunities with Austria.
Florucz: "This is a special moment for me"
Shortly after the announcement, Florucz took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the decision to represent Austria:
"This is a truly special moment for me. Austria is the country where I was born, raised, and took my first footballing steps. Being recognized at the international level in such a respected football nation is an incredible honor. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to give my all for the team."
However, he also acknowledged his strong ties to Romania:
"At the same time, I have immense respect for my Romanian heritage. My roots, my family, and my culture are a big part of who I am, and I deeply appreciate all the support I have received from both Austria and Romania throughout my career."
Florucz emphasized that the decision was not about choosing one country over another, but rather embracing the path that led him here:
"I am fully committed to giving my best for Austria and making my family and fans proud."