Courtesy Arsenal Media
Henrikh Mkhitaryan [Image Credit: Arsenal.com]
Henrikh made 39 appearances while at Manchester United, scoring five times and was part of their UEFA Europa League winning squad last season. He is the captain of the Armenian national team and is their all-time top scorer. He has also received the Armenian Footballer of the Year award eight times.
The 29-year-old midfielder started his career with Armenian side FC Pyunik, where he won the Armenian Premier League on four occasions. He then moved to Ukraine where he played for Metalurh Donetsk, before joining Shakhtar Donetsk, where he made 72 appearances, winning the Ukrainian Premier League three times. In 2013, Henrikh transferred to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, where he made 90 appearances, during which time he was part of the 2014 German Cup winning squad.
On his move, Henrikh said: “I’m very happy that we could finish this deal and I’m very happy to be here. It’s a dream come true because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Arsenal. Now that I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history.”
On liking Arsenal: “I always loved the way that Arsenal played, the way that Arsene Wenger has managed the team. There were a lot of young players, and he was managing them and they were doing very good – and, of course I was in love with the game of Thierry Henry. I loved the way he played – and maybe that was the reason to support Arsenal. [Thierry] was scoring lots of goals, he was playing for the team… He was like a hero…”
About his playing style: “It’s better that I don’t say anything and they can see it whenever I am playing for Arsenal.”
On his favourite position: “All over the pitch – it doesn’t matter exactly where. I don’t stay in one position – I’m always trying to move, to create space, to make chances for my team-mates. So I’m everywhere.”
What are his strengths?: “I don’t know – it’s better that you ask this question to the manager, not me.”
Who are you looking forward to playing alongside: “With everyone. There is no exception. I would like to play with everyone, start training very very soon. So let’s hope for it!”
Arsène Wenger added:
“Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well. I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”
As part of the transfer, Alexis has joined Manchester United.
Alexis scored 80 goals in 166 appearances during his time with us. He was part of two Emirates FA Cup-winning squads (2015 and 2017), scoring in both finals. We thank Alexis for his contribution to the club.
We welcome Henrikh to Arsenal Football Club and wish him well for his time with us.
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and Henrikh’s squad number will be confirmed soon.
To see video of his first interview, click here.
Copyright 2018 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
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