Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been discussing why he left Manchester United in the January transfer window that was just concluded.
Jose Mourinho opted to involve the Armenian in a straight swap deal with Alexis Sanchez as he aimed to improve his current crop of players.
While Arsenal fans were disappointed to lose the Chilean, they were pleased to see their club snatch up a quality player.
United supporters meanwhile couldn’t believe their luck in luring in one of the Premier League’s best players in return for someone who simply wasn’t performing for them.
Mkhitaryan will surely be disappointed his time at Old Trafford didn’t end on better terms but at least he knows he’ll be given a fresh chance at the Emirates.
According to Sports News, Henrikh said to ESPN Brasil: “Of course sometimes you need some refreshing and I think this was the best moment for me, because there were a few things that didn’t work out in Manchester.
“Because I was 29 years old, I wanted to play more, because I know that in a few years time I’ll be able to end my football career, and it’s very important for me to make my name bigger.
“That’s why, maybe, it was the best moment, and the best time to change something and to get a new challenge, a new club, and start everything from zero.
“I’ve learned a lot from my previous two managers, Klopp and Mourinho, and I want to learn more from [Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger as well.
“And it’s too early to compare them to each other, I still need time to work with Arsene Wenger. Of course from the time being here I’ve learned a lot already, and I want to learn more.”
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s time at Manchester United will forever remain a mystery as neutrals try to piece together why it never worked out.
Supporters were initially absolutely delighted to get their hands on one of the best players in the Bundesliga, particularly after a season he grabbed double figures for goals and assists.
He began his time at the club rather disappointingly but most fans attributed it to his need to adapt to new surroundings.
This excuse seemed valid as Mkhitaryan appeared to play well in cup competitions and in perhaps less pressured scenarios.
Fans were happy to wait for a season before judging him and their patience was rewarded when the former Borussia Dortmund man tore up the Premier League at the start of this campaign.
However, Henrikh failed to build on that and slowly withered away again until Mourinho eventually deemed him as dispensable.
