Playing for Manchester is a Big Opportunity and a New Challenge for Me: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Midfielder of Armenian national squad Henrikh Mkhitaryan has given his first interview to MUTV after completing his move to Manchester United.

The Armenian spoke to Mark Sullivan about his move to Old Trafford, linking up again with good friend Adnan Januzaj and the “weird” prospect of facing his former club Borussia Dortmund later this month.

Henry welcome, how does it feel to sign for Manchester United?

Thank you very much. I’m very excited, it’s a big opportunity for me to play for Manchester. It’s a new challenge for me. I think I’ll try to do my best.

How big a factor was José Mourinho in your decision?

I think it was one of the facts that I chose Manhcester. It’s also one of the biggest clubs in the world, so I couldn’t reject this offer, so I’m pleased to be here.

How excited are you to link up with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and all the other star names we have here?

This year the team is going to be amazing. It’ll a pleasure to play next to these guys.

You come from a sporting family. Your father Hamlet played football. How big an influence was he in your carrier and how proud would he be right now?

When he was playing I couldn’t understand what kind of sport was football, but after he passed away my dream came to become a football player and I was thinking to continue his job, and hopefully, I’m on my way.

You’ve developed your game from your time in Armenia to the Ukraine and most recently with Borussia Dortmund, so how has that helped you and are you at your very best now?

I think, to look back, maybe I did a very long way to come here, but for me this is not the highest point, I think I can go further and I’m very happy for that, because I think I did everything right in my life, and I’m going forward step by step.

How big will the challenge for premiere league will be for you?

Everyone knows that it’s one of the biggest championships in the world and I’m very happy to be a part of it.

Did you speak much to Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj, while he was on loan at Dortmund, about United?

Yes, we were very close. He’s one of my close friends and even before to come here I was in touch with him. He was asking if you’re going to join us. I said I don’t know, but finally, I’m here and I think that I will have him as a friend and as a helper.

Absolutely. How proud are you to be the first Armenian to play in the Premiere League and what do you think the reaction will be back in your country?

I think everyone was waiting for this transfer. And I’m very happy that Armenia can be proud of me because it’s honor for me too to be the first Armenian player in England, so I’ll try to meet those expectations.

Is Manchester United a big name in Armenia?

I think it’s one of the biggest.

The first chance we may get to see you in action will be on tour in China and your fist opponent will be Borussia Dortmund. What are your feelings ahead of that?

It’s going to be a bit strange to meet my teammates, my ex-teammates, and even in the first game, maybe I’ll have some emotions. Yeah, I think it’s going to be a little weird, but whatever, Manchester is my new team, so I have to get used to it.

The whole tour experience will be something new to you. United are huge in Asia – are you prepared for what you’re about to see?

I heard about that and I think I’m ready for this.

What can fans expect from you this season?

I’ll try to do my best. I’ll try to keep working hard and doing the goals that I did last year, I’ll try to do this year too.

What impressions do you have how excited are you to step onto the pitch of Old Trafford?

I haven’t played in Old Trafford yet, but I think it’s one of the most amazing stadiums in the world, and for me it’s going to be very interesting to play for Manchester and to for the supporters, who’re going to be in the stadium.

Have you got a message for the Manchester United fans who eagerly anticipate your debut?

Dear fans I’ll be very glad to see you in the stadium for every game, and I’ll try to do my best to help Manchester win.

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