Henrikh Mkhitaryan spoke to the microphones of La Gazzetta dello Sport, addressing several topics: from the renewal with Inter to advice for young players, as well as seasonal objectives and the Champions dream.
The Armenian midfielder explained the reasons that led him to extend his adventure with the Nerazzurri: “I didn’t receive any guarantees: it wouldn’t have been right either, because I have to show on the pitch 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 for another year. Then we’ll see.”
Regarding his role in the team, Mkhitaryan declared himself ready to be a point of reference: “The usual. I have always trained at my best to be an example for others: especially the younger ones.”
Among the young players joining the training camp, the player dedicated words of praise to Aleksandar Stankovic. “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. Playing in the youth team is one thing, playing in the first team is another. But the two years he spent abroad have shown that he deserved to return to base,” he said.
The advice for the Serbian midfielder is clear: “He needs to be faster. It’s very important when you occupy that area of the pitch. You have to manage the tempo of the game, know when to speed up and when to slow down. Aleksandar is doing well but I’m sure that, little by little, he’ll do even better.”
Topalovic also received words of appreciation: “You saw him in Bologna a few months ago, in the last match of the season, when he invented that vertical pass. I wish him the best, because he has what it takes to become an excellent footballer.” To all the Primavera boys, the Armenian recommended keeping their feet on the ground and continuing to work hard.
As for the season’s objectives, Mkhitaryan set the tone: “Actually, we have never backed down. We have just won two trophies, now we will try to do our best on four fronts: I’m also including the Super Cup, as well as 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 challenges and we are. Always.”
Regarding the end of his career, the midfielder preferred not to commit: “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.” But there is one dream that remains: “The Champions League, that’s it. I would like to win the Champions League. I’ve come close twice, maybe sooner or later I’ll make it.”
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