Fresh off signing a contract extension for a third straight season at Roma, Henrikh Mkhitaryan recently spoke to Sky Sport explaining why, despite receiving a number of intriguing offers, he ultimately decided to continue his adventure in the Italian capital.
“I stayed because I believed in the club’s project. I believed in it since day one. I like it here. I like the club and the city. I believe we can win something with the Giallorossi.”
“I received numerous offers from Italy and abroad, but I chose to stay and I’m happy with this decision.”
When asked what the objectives for this upcoming campaign are, he said:
“The objectives haven’t changed since last year. We have to give everything to be better than we were last season. It won’t be easy. We have a new coach with new ideas, we have to adapt and do the best job we can as soon as possible. I expect to do better than last season.”
Mkhitaryan was also asked about re-uniting with Mourinho after their experience in Manchester.
“He’s very ambitious. He always wants to win. He doesn’t care whether you play well or not, all that matters to him are the three points. Everybody knows he’s won practically everything there is to win. We hope we can win something with him, because he makes it possible.”
He mentioned tensions in the past with Mourinho:
“I don’t want to talk about the past. We’ve already talked it out between the two of us. We’ve opened a new chapter. I know what he asks of his players, and I’m ready for anything. We’ve clarified everything.”
He also shared his thoughts on Zaniolo’s return.
“Since day one I thought he was a fantastic footballer. I believe in him, and I’m sure he’ll give us something extra that we missed last season. His presence, his strength, his tactical and technical ability speak for themselves. I think he’ll do well and will help Roma go as far as possible.”
Who were the three best players he’s ever played with:
“The first one is Ibrahimovic. His skill, his intelligence and his way of seeing the game and playing it. Then Pogba, who is very good and often underrated. He can make the difference. The third one being Aumbameyang as we understood each other on the pitch perfectly.”
When asked who will win the scudetto this time, Mkhitaryan answered:
“I think it’ll be competitive like last year. It’ll be interesting. Every team seems to be ready. I can’t say though, I haven’t seen others play.”
“We have to focus on ourselves and speak for ourselves, what matters is what we demand of ourselves. It’s been 2-3 years since we’ve played Champions League football, we have to work hard and believe in order to get back on that stage.”
