Sports: Mkhitaryan eyes Champions League success with Man United

Public Radio of Armenia
17:25, 26 Jun 2017
Siranush Ghazanchyan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has spoken of his desire to win the UEFA Champions League in 2017/18 and stated a club like Manchester United belongs in European football’s top competition.

The midfield Armenian discussed his ambitions for the forthcoming season during a Q&A session with followers of his official Facebook page, in which he also spoke about a determination to improve following an encouraging debut campaign that yielded 41 appearances, 11 goals and three trophies.

“The Champions League is where Manchester United belongs and we are all happy to be playing in this great competition again. For the new season we definitely want to fight for the title. For the Super Cup, it should be a fantastic game against Real Madrid!” Mkhitaryan said.

Speaking about his ambitions for the coming season, the midfielder said he would love to score more goals and give more assists and help the team win as many trophies as possible. “I will give my best!” he said.

Asked to describe Jose Mourinho, Mkhitaryan said “Jose is a winner. He works so hard to win every single game and to make sure that we are all ready to give 100%. He gives us emotion, and motivation. I have learned a lot from him and will continue to do so.”

Mkhitrayan said he loves hearing his chant from the stands. “I love it. It’s great that our fans made a song for me and it gives me a lot of motivation when I hear it in the stadium!”

The Armenian said lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy in Stockholm was his favorite moments of last season.  “We worked so hard to win this competition and it was truly special to be able to do it. Now we are really looking forward to being back in the UEFA Champions League,” he said.

The midfielder said it would be an honor for him or any other player to win the Europa League Player of the Season award, but added that “at the end what matters is the team.”

Mkhitaryan said he has thought about developing a football academy in Armenia. “I’ve thought about it and would love to develop the idea in the future to teach my football philosophy to Armenian children,” he said.

Where does Mkhitaryan see himself after the career? “I haven’t thought about what I will do after my career, I still have many years left as a player,” he said.

Mkhitaryan said his “tip for success is honestly to believe in yourself whatever you do and work hard. Anything is possible in life if you are confident, positive and hard working.”