At 37 years old, Henrikh Mkhitaryan faces another season with Inter, with the same enthusiasm shown even in the derby in Perth. The Armenian gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport, ranging from preparation, contract renewal, and future goals.
“We are training well. It’s not easy with the trips and the time zone changes, but we are doing our best to prepare for another great season,” he said. On the contract extension, the midfielder explained that he had not received any guarantees: “It wouldn’t have been right either, because I have to show on the field whether I deserve a place in the team or not. But I feel I can play at a good level for another year and so, together with the club, I decided to stay one more year. Then we’ll see.”
The experience he has accumulated makes him a point of reference in the locker room: “My role? The usual. I have always trained at my best to be an example for others: especially the younger ones.” Among them is Aleksandar Stankovic, about whom Mkhitaryan spoke with confidence: “He has taken the right path: he needs a bit of time to adapt to the new reality even though he knows Inter from the youth sector. One thing is to play in the youth academy, another is in the first team. But the two years he spent abroad showed that he deserved to return to the base.”
The advice from the Nerazzurri midfielder to the young compatriot is clear: “He needs to be faster. It’s very important when you occupy that area of the field. You have to manage the timing of play, know when to speed up and when to slow down. Aleksandar is doing well but I’m sure that little by little he will do even better.” Topalovic also received words of appreciation: “You saw him in Bologna a few months ago, in the last league match, when he invented that vertical pass. I wish him the best, because he has what it takes to become an excellent footballer.”
On the season’s objectives, the Armenian does not hide: “Actually, we have never backed down. We have just won two trophies, now we will try to do our best on four fronts: I also include the Super Cup, in addition to the Champions League. We can’t know what the future holds, there are years when you win and others when you lose. The important thing is to be ready to face all the challenges and we are. Always.”
He preferred not to commit himself about his own future: “Me in my last year? I don’t know. It’s impossible to decide today. I have to see how I feel at the end of this season. At my age, it doesn’t make sense to make long-term plans.” However, there is still a dream missing from his trophy cabinet: “There are many things I could have done more… The Champions League, that’s it. I would like to win the Champions League. I came close twice, maybe sooner or later I’ll make it.”
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