Inter Milan striker Marko Arnautovic feels that his goal against Atletico Madrid is “one of the most important” of his career.

The Austrian spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, after the 1-0 Champions League victory.

Arnautovic was a relatively unlikely match-winning hero in their Champions League round of sixteen first leg match against Atletico.

But the former West Ham United and Stoke City striker was called into action.

Arnautovic replaced Marcus Thuram in attack for the start of the first half. This followed the Frenchman having to come off due to a muscle injury.

It was not the most auspicious performance from Arnautovic, at least initially.

The 34-year-old missed a couple of presentable opportunities to put Inter ahead.

But eventually, one found its way in.

After an Atletico giveaway in midfield, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez shot straight at Colchoneros keeper Jan Oblak.

The Slovenian saved Martinez’s effort, but the shot had too much power for the keeper to hold.

Arnautovic gambled on the run and slotted the ball home, allowing the Nerazzurri to take a slender lead into the second leg of their Champions League tie.

Marko Arnautovic Reacts To Goal Vs Atletico Madrid

After the final whistle, Arnautovic said that “This was one of the most important goals of my career.”

“It hasn’t been an easy period for me,” the Austrian admitted.

“After coming back from injury I needed time.”

“In the last few weeks I haven’t scored many goals,” Arnautovic. “And that’s what I’m here to do.”

“today I missed two chances that I had to score,” he went on.

“But the fans and my teammates made me feel they were behind me. They gave me energy to score that goal.”

Of the support from his teammates, Arnautovic said that “We’re a fantastic group.”

“The starters and the players who come on as substitutes all show the strength of the group.”

“The players who are on the bench don’t let their heads drop,” the striker added. “Everyone gives everything to win.”

As far as whether the 1-0 scoreline is too narrow for comfort for Inter, Arnautovic said “No, we won.”

“We’ll go to Madrid knowing that it will start out 0-0,” he added.

“We’ll try to win there anyway.”