After a difficult start to his Manchester United career, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has settled well into the rigours of English football, and ahead of the new campaign one competition above all others is on the Armenian’s mind.
A goal against Los Angeles Galaxy in a comfortable 5-2 pre-season win underscored a decent individual performance, but it’s the bigger challenges that await that clearly enthuse the 28-year-old.
He took time out of his schedule in the US to talk exclusively to MARCA in English’s Jason Pettigrove.
As arguably the most famous Armenian footballer at one of the world’s biggest clubs, do you feel under more pressure than ever to perform each week?
“It’s an honour and responsibility at the same time.
“An honour to know that a whole nation is behind me and a responsibility to play as well as I can to keep their spirits up.
“It’s very special to see how proud people are for you, though when I enter the pitch my focus is solely on football.”
The scorpion kick goal….your best ever? Would you try it again?
“The scorpion goal was the best I’ve ever scored, although the winning goal in the Europa League final was the most important one.
“It [scorpion goal] wasn’t something that I could plan ahead for.
“At that moment the only thing I could do was a back-heel it, which I did, and fortunately for me the ball went in.”
What have you learned from your time in Manchester and, in your own words, what can you improve on?
“I am still learning every day and there are no limits to my future improvement.
“I will continue working as hard as I always have throughout my career.”
Favourite moment from your time in England?
“In football, the best moments are the finals.
“Definitely lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy in Stockholm was a special one.
“We worked so hard to win the competition and now we are really looking forward to being back in the UEFA Champions League.”
Realistically, what can United achieve this season?
“We always aim to win in every game and let’s hope things will go in our way in every competition.
“We are a team that has Champions League in its DNA.
“Manchester United is the Champions League and the Champions League is Manchester United.”
What are your own personal ambitions for the 2017/18 campaign?
“As a player, as well as an individual, I have my personal ambitions.
“But now it is time to give back to the club and our fans what they have been giving to us all those years.
“I will always give my best!”
Do you intend to develop 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 the Armenian children.”