LONDON (A.W.)—Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Armenia’s 29-year-old football/soccer captain and star midfielder, officially signed with London-based English Premier League football club Arsenal in a long-term contract on Monday.
According to press release published by Mkhitaryan’s new club, the deal has star Alexis Sanchez joining Manchester United—a club with which Mkhitaryan made 39 appearances, scoring five times. He was also part of Manchester United’s UEFA Europa League winning squad last season.
“I’m very happy that we could finish this deal, and I’m very happy to be here. 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,” Mkhitaryan said of the new deal.
Mkhitaryan is the captain of the Armenian national team and its all-time top scorer. He has received the Armenian Footballer of the Year award a record eight times.
The Armenian midfielder started his career with Armenian club FC Pyunik, where he won the Armenian Premier League four times. He then moved to Ukraine, where he played for Metalurh Donetsk before joining Shakhtar Donetsk, where he made 72 appearances, winning the Ukrainian Premier League three times.
In 2013, Henrikh transferred to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, where he made 90 appearances and was part of the 2014 German Cup winning squad.
Love that, @HenrikhMkh – we're delighted to have you here 🔴 pic.twitter.com/PDABMfhsNx
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 22, 2018
Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said, “Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well. I must say he’s a player who has all the attributes.”
The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes, and Mkhitaryan’s team number will be confirmed in the coming days.
Its a very good move by Henrikh as at Arsenal he will perform at his best form whereas at Man Utd under Mourinho his career was very much at stake.
@Mihran: I agree with you
My best wishes for Henrik, he will make Arsenal best team in the league.
Good luck Henrikh with your new team Arsenal. Be yourself , show us more of your skills.
Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga was a good team for your abilities in football, but the Arsenal in British premier league, will be a much better
team for you than Mourinho’s Manchester United.
Good Luck Henrikh , Manager Arsène Wenger knows how to use your football skills.