"He mentioned events that did not happen," Slimani discusses with Petkovic.

Islam Slimani, currently without a club but not retiring, took the opportunity to clarify several points in a lengthy interview with L’Équipe. The all-time top scorer for the Algeria national team dismissed any notion of an imminent retirement, openly discussed his complicated relationship with coach Vladimir Petkovic, and sent a message of encouragement to the new staff of the Greens.

At 38, the forward still considers himself fit. “I’m 38 years old, I’m still in shape, and I’m not in a hurry. I’m looking for a new challenge,” he said, emphasizing his clarity of mind: “I’m a rational person. In my head, I know I can still play.”

Affectionately nicknamed SuperSlim, he now envisions himself in a dual role as a scorer and a mentor. “I’ve done this my whole life, and I feel it’s not over. I can also share my experience and pass on my knowledge to the younger players,” he explained. This perspective highlights his dissatisfaction with his last European chapter, marked by the termination of his contract with CFR Cluj.

Since then, his name has circulated from one transfer window to another without any concrete signing. Rumors even linked him to Morocco, but the management of IR Tanger officially denied any approach. The striker, for his part, refuses to rush his decision and is waiting for a project that suits him.

Slimani criticizes Petkovic's lack of respect

The most pointed moment of the interview concerned his exclusion from the national team. Slimani began by downplaying the situation before delivering a striking statement. “These are choices, it’s not a problem. Every coach…”. When asked if it was done respectfully, he replied: “Respectful? I wouldn’t say that,” stated the former international.

The forward then mentioned a phone call that left its mark. “We had a conversation, he said things that didn’t happen. That’s how it is,” he summarized, without elaborating further. This confrontation extends the tensions already expressed when Slimani criticized Petkovic for the lack of playing identity during the World Cup campaign.

Despite the bitterness, the striker maintains a regret-free assessment. “I played what I had to play for my country. I fully invested myself on the field,” he emphasized. His 45 goals for the national team indeed give him reason to speak with pride.

He trusts the Algerian staff

Regarding the new technical staff of the Greens, Slimani advocates for patience. “We need to give them time to work and trust them. They know Algeria and its African environment. They have worn the national team jersey. It’s a good thing,” he argued, in favor of a staff from within the ranks.

The historical argument strengthens his reasoning. “Aside from Vahid Halilhodzic (2011-2014), when we succeeded, it was with national coaches,” he recalled. To skeptics who point out a lack of experience, he firmly responded: “I hear they lack experience. They will quickly gain it.”

Slimani even set a clear objective. “They will qualify us for the CAN, and at that point, we will see if they can guide this new generation to a new level,” he believes, placing continental qualification as the first real challenge.

Slimani demands tribute for Mahrez and Mandi

When asked about the international retirements of Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi, the striker did not hide his emotion. “These are two players who have marked the history of Algeria. They have over a hundred caps (119 and 122 respectively), they have played in two World Cups. They won the CAN in 2019. They accomplished what they had to do,” he listed.

His testimony is particularly significant as he shared the locker room with them for ten years. “They gave everything, and I can assure you I’ve witnessed it since 2014… I’ve seen two boys give their all for the country without any calculation,” he insisted. The defender, for his part, officially announced his international retirement after 123 caps following the North American World Cup.

As for himself, he does not expect any tribute from the FAF. “If it were to be done, it should have already happened… I expect nothing; it has never crossed my mind. I did what I had to do for my country, for my family, and for those who love me. After that, whether there’s a tribute or not, it’s not the most important thing; what matters is the interest of our country,” he concluded.