Henrikh Mkhitaryan Admits He Didn't Know His Last Match for Armenia Would Be His Final Appearance
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
37-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave an extensive interview to Armen Garamyan on Armenian Public Television's First Channel (H1). The footballer discussed his career, childhood, father, experiences working with renowned coaches, and plans for the future. However, one of the most intriguing moments of the conversation concerned his departure from the Armenian national team.
The interview aired on Armenian television on October 9 at 10:40 PM local time.
The journalist asked Mkhitaryan whether he had realized during the match against Germany that it would be his final appearance in an Armenia shirt.
— During the match against Germany, did you know it would be your last game for the Armenian national team?
— No.
The discussion of the subject effectively ended there. Mkhitaryan chose not to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his departure from the national team. However, he had previously promised to reveal all the details one day. According to the midfielder, he is willing to discuss the matter after retiring from professional football, as he believes the time has not yet come.
Mkhitaryan's final appearance for Armenia came on November 14, 2021, in Yerevan, when the national team suffered a 4-1 defeat against Germany. In March 2022, he officially announced his retirement from international football.
Mkhitaryan Discusses His Role at Inter Milan
During the interview, the 37-year-old midfielder also explained how he feels about being the oldest player in Inter Milan's squad.
According to Mkhitaryan, his responsibilities extend beyond contributing on the pitch. He believes it is important to mentor younger teammates, share his experience, and serve as a link between players, helping maintain a positive atmosphere within the dressing room.
Mkhitaryan Rules Out Moves to Saudi Arabia, MLS, and the Armenian League
The midfielder also addressed the possibility of continuing his career outside European football.
Mkhitaryan firmly stated that he has no intention of moving to the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer (MLS), or other competitions where established stars often spend the final years of their careers.
The Armenian midfielder emphasized that he continues playing primarily because of his passion and love for football. He does not want the game to become merely a way of earning money.
Mkhitaryan also ruled out a return to the Armenian domestic league. In his opinion, the gap in quality between a club like Inter Milan and the Armenian championship is simply too significant for him to consider such a move.
Mkhitaryan therefore made it clear that he has no intention of extending his playing career at any cost. Meanwhile, the reasons behind his departure from the Armenian national team remain an open question. The midfielder has promised to share his side of the story only after bringing his professional career to an end.