Manchester United attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave a very interesting interview to German publication Sport Bild, which covered a wide array of topics. The former Borussia Dortmund man, who moved up to United this summer had issues adjusting to life in the Premiership at first.
He battled some injuries, and when match fit found himself out of the mix because he didn’t always initially do what Manager Jose Mourinho wanted him to.
Those were big adjustments he had to make, in addition to adjusting to the increased quality of the competition.
Said Mkhitaryan:
“When I watched the Premier League on the telly, I didn’t expect it to be that hard. The opponents are all physically strong, real athletes. It wasn’t like that in Germany. You must be prepared for it. But I prepared myself for it.”
Mkhitaryan’s agent, Mino Raiola, pushed the narrative that United was his client’s dream club during the summer, perhaps as a negotiation tactic to counter balance the fact that BVB just didn’t want to sell him.
Or at least, that’s how the story played out in the newspapers this past summer transfer window.
When asked if it was always his dream to play for United, the Captain of the Armenian National Team said:
“No. But Manchester United always belonged to the best clubs in the world for me. And Manchester United just is a bigger club than Borussia Dortmund. Everyone knows that, and you must accept it.”
“When I received the enquiry, I knew that this would be my challenge. A new team, a new country.”
Mkhitaryan then went on to say what an honor it is to play for United and their legions of adoring fans who love the club so much.
“It’s not called the Theatre of Dreams for nothing. Our stadium is like a big stage.”
“The fans are used to success and beautiful football from the days of manager and legend Alex Ferguson. They don’t want to do without it, and that’s why we have to deliver. But I also enjoy that feeling.”
“Manchester United are not just some club. To be part of this club also means to be part of a great history. And if you can access your potential, you will always get a chance. If you don’t do it, you are out of it. That’s why you always have to be ready to give it your all.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, Bold and the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, appears regularly as a guest on CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
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