Islam Slimani rejects retirement and sends strong message to Algeria

Algerian international Islam Slimani has confirmed that he still believes in his ability to continue his football career. He also called for confidence to be given to the duo Ibrahim Hamdani and Antar Yahia in their new roles with the Algeria national team, emphasizing that time will be an important factor in judging their experience.

In a lengthy interview with French newspaper 'L'Équipe', Algeria's all-time top scorer discussed several topics, including the future of the national team, his stance on retirement, his relationship with coach Vladimir Petković, and his long professional career.

Islam Slimani has called for patience regarding Hamdani and Yanter Yahya as they continue to develop in their respective roles.

He said: "They should be left to work and given confidence.. they know Algeria and its African surroundings, they have worn the national team shirt, and this is a positive point."

He added: "Except for Vahid Halilhodžić, when we succeeded, it was with coaches from Algeria."

In response to criticism suggesting that the duo lacks experience, Islam Slimani defended them, stating: "I hear that some say they are lacking experience, but they will gain it quickly... They will qualify us for the Africa Cup of Nations, and then we will see if they can help this new generation move beyond the stage."

Islam Slimani has rejected the idea of retirement.

Regarding his future, Slimani clarified: "I am 38 years old, and I am still in good shape, and I am not in a hurry."

He added: "I am looking for a new challenge, I want to finish well, with something that brings me happiness and enjoyment.. I believe I have had a satisfying career."

Islam Slimani emphasized: "I am a logical person. In my head, I know that I am still capable of playing," adding: "I do not want to retire, and I have the ability to continue. I have been doing this my whole life, and I have a feeling that it is not over. I can also offer my experience and pass it on to the younger ones."

Islam Slimani has had a remarkable career, spanning 9 countries and 14 clubs. Despite the numerous changes, he expresses no regrets about his journey in football.

Algeria's all-time top scorer spoke about his career journey that led him to play in 9 countries and 14 clubs, the latest being Romanian side Cluj, considering that his movement between various experiences was a distinctive part of his journey in football.

He said: "I am a big traveler, I know that people might say that it is not necessarily normal considering such a path... but on the contrary, it has been very special, I have lived beautiful experiences, human adventures, and discovered countries."

Islam Slimani has reflected on the beginnings of his career, saying: "At the age of 24, I was still in Algeria, and my life led me to play in Brazil. For example, this is also the magic of football; I regret nothing, and I would do exactly the same if I could turn back time."

He does not expect recognition from Algeria.

Regarding the possibility of receiving an honor, he said: "Absolutely not... If that were to happen, it would have happened before; I am not expecting anything, and that has not crossed my mind."

He explained: "I did what I had to do for my country, for my family and the people who love me.. After that, whether there is recognition or not, that is not the most important thing, what matters is the interest of our country."

Regarding his exclusion from the national team.

Islam Slimani has addressed his non-selection by coach Vladimir Petković, affirming that he considers it a purely technical decision. He said: "No, these are choices, and it's not a problem... Every coach has his options."

When asked if he felt disrespected by the way he was excluded, Islam Slimani replied: "Disrespect? I wouldn't say that."

Islam Slimani revealed that Petković did not meet him upon his arrival, and that their communication was limited to a phone call, saying: "Not at all... this is football, and I do not take it personally."

He added: "It is a thankless world, but that did not affect me, of course. There are ways to deal with it. We had a phone conversation, and he said things that did not happen... That is how things are. I played what I had to play for my country, and I gave everything I had when I was on the pitch."

Islam Slimani has expressed confidence in the current squad, stating that Algeria has a generation capable of achieving a lot.

In concluding his remarks about the Algerian national team, Slimani stated that the changes in the coaching staff could help the 'Greens' regain their balance in the upcoming period, but he emphasized the need for patience at the same time.

He said: "We must be patient, that is the most important thing. We had the potential to perform much better in the FIFA World Cup. I believe that the FAF has regained its balance by changing the coaching staff; it is a very important shift for us."

He added: "We must be able to surround this generation well, and it must be developed.. I believe that in two or three years, we will have a good squad."