HENRIKH MKHITARYAN'S FIRST INTERVIEW
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has given his first interview to MUTV after completing his move to Manchester United on Wednesday.
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...
Welcome, Henrikh – how does it feel to sign for Manchester United?
Thank you very much. I am very excited – it’s a big opportunity for me to play for Manchester United, a new challenge for me. I will try to do my best.
How big a factor was Jose Mourinho in your decision?
He was one of reasons why I chose Manchester, but also the team because it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I couldn’t reject this offer and I’m very happy 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?
I think this year the team is going to be amazing and it will be a pleasure for me to play with these guys.
You come from a sporting family – your father Hamlet played football. How big an influence was he in your career and how proud would he be now?
When he was playing, I was too young to fully understand football but, after he passed away, my dream was to become a football player. I was thinking to continue the job he did and hopefully I am 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 best now?
I think to look back, maybe I went a very long way to come here but, for me, this is not the highest point I can reach. I can go further and I am very happy for that because I think I did everything right in my life and I’m going step by step forward.
How big a challenge will the Premier League be?
Everyone knows it’s one of the biggest championships in the world and I’m very happy to be part of it.
Did you speak much to Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj, while he was on loan at Dortmund, about United?
I was very close with Adnan. He’s one of my friends and even before I came here I was always in touch with him and he was asking if I was going to join. I said 'I don’t know' but now I’m here and I will have him as a friend and helper.
How proud are you to be the first Armenian to play in the Premier League and what do you think the reaction will be back in your country?
Everyone was waiting for this transfer deal and I’m very happy that everyone can be proud of me because it’s an honour for me to be the first Armenian in the Premier League, and I will try to keep their expectation. I think it’s one of the biggest [clubs in Armenia].
The first chance we may get to see you in action could be on tour in China and our first game is against your old club Borussia Dortmund. What are your feelings ahead of that?
It will be a little bit strange to meet my ex-team-mates and in the first game, maybe I will have some emotions. It will be a little bit weird but whatever – Manchester is my new team.
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’ve heard about that and I’m ready for it!
What can our fans expect from you this season?
I will try to do my best – I will try to keep working hard. The goals I achieved last year, I will try to do this year too.
What are your impressions of Old Trafford and how excited are you to play there?
I’ve never played at Old Trafford 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 in the stadium, and also for the supporters.
Do you have a message for the United fans who are eagerly anticipating your debut?
Dear fans, I will be very glad to see you in the stadium for every game and I will try to do my best to help Manchester win.
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