Growing up in Armenia, Henrikh Mkhitaryan always dreamt of making it to the Emirates Highbury.
When he joined Manchester United 18 months ago, he was only hoping to use it as a stepping stone to Arsenal.
When he won the Europa League last season, he was secretly wishing he’d get to play in it again.
Dreams do come true.
Joining United versus joining Arsenal#MUFC #AFC pic.twitter.com/hMD9QUy59L
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 22, 2018
Whilst Alexis Sanchez used his first Instagram post to try and clear up a few rumours about his influence in the Arsenal dressing room – and other rumours which he’s claiming to be false – Henrikh Mkhitaryan seemed to go the other way. He just started pretending like he had been dreaming all along of joining Arsenal.
In his first interview since the move to north London, Mkhitaryan told Arsenal.com what it means to him to finally become an Arsenal player.
“I’m very happy that we could finish this deal and I’m very happy to be here,” Mkhi said.
“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.”
Stable genius https://t.co/BLSvauGxya
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 22, 2018
In fairness to the Arsenal crew, they dug out an interview from nine years ago when the player did say he wanted to play for the club.
“I always loved the way that Arsenal played and the way that Arsène Wenger has managed the team.
“There have been a lot of young players, he’s managed them and they’ve done very well. 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.”
Mkhitaryan was 21 then, presumably angling for a move to the richest league on earth to a manager who gave out chances to young players like they were going out of fashion.
And, crucially, of course, this is not the Arsenal of Thierry Henry anymore. This is the Arsenal who give up their best players and get stripped for parts. So, when Mkhitaryan was asked who he’s most looking forward to playing alongside, he was as diplomatic as possible.
“With everyone. There is not any exception. I would like to play with everyone, to start training very soon. Let’s hope for it.”
He couldn’t say Ozil because he might leave.
And he couldn’t say Granit Xhaka because it’s Granit Xhaka.
