Former Armenia captain and Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan spoke to Inter TV and local media about his long career and continuing to compete at the highest level.
“This is my 20th season as a professional footballer, and naturally, I am very happy. It means a great deal to me. It tells me that I have probably done everything the right way throughout my career. That is why I have been able to play for so long, and I am truly very happy about it,” he said.
Mkhitaryan was also asked how important his role is in helping younger players develop, especially during preseason tours when the squad spends extended time together and faces top-level opponents.
“At the beginning of preseason, more than half of the squad consisted of young players. I try to set an example for them. I try to do everything the right way, to do what I know, and to show them aspects of the game they can learn from and follow. Of course, it depends on them whether they want to learn or not, but I always try to do my utmost for the team. Now I am the oldest player in the squad, and that means a lot. It means I have a responsibility to help them. That is exactly what I try to do, both on and off the pitch. I try to give advice, but in the end it is up to them whether they accept it or not. We are a team, we are a family, and we have to achieve our goals together,” he said.
Mkhitaryan was also asked whether becoming the reigning Serie A champions had changed his approach and whether defending the title is more difficult when every opponent has extra motivation to beat the champions.
“Right now we are not thinking about defending the title. Our focus is on being well prepared and proving that we deserved to win it last season. Of course, what we achieved gives us great motivation and confidence to try to repeat that success this year as well,” the Armenian midfielder said.
After defeating Manchester City, Inter traveled to Perth, Australia, where the Nerazzurri are scheduled to play matches against AC Milan and Juventus.
