Henrikh Mkhitaryan has opened up on the treatment he received at Arsenal ahead of his summer transfer to Roma. Mkhitaryan, who initially signed a swap deal with Manchester United for Alexis Sanchez in January 2018, has said he’s frustrated with the Gunners. During his short spell at the Emirates, he has played 53 games, scored nine goals, and have 13 assists to his name.
His move to Roma seemed like a new beginning as he was sent on loan for a year, without any obligation to buy. As he is expected to return to Emirates after the season, rumors have it that Gunners are looking to move him during the summer transfer window yet again. It is believed an interview he did back in September 2019 slamming the London giants is the reason for the club wanting to get rid of him once and for all.
The Armenian international last year claimed the manner in which he was forced out and the treatment he received from the club was the main reason for his move to Italy.
“It (the move) just happened,” he told Vivaro News.
“I was also surprised when I got the call from my agent (Mino Raiola) who advised me to move to Rome. I didn’t hesitate because I knew I would be more appreciated by Roma than by Arsenal at the time. At the beginning of the season, they made promises to me, but after two or three weeks everything was different. They treated me differently.”
Mkhitaryan who has recently been named Armenia’s Player of the Year for the ninth time in 10 seasons, took to Twitter to show his appreciation to the fans. Tweeting the forward said, ”It is always an honor for me to be voted as My Country’s Player of the Year, for the 9th time now. Thanks to all those who have voted.”
Roma is reportedly said to have paid £2.75m loan fee for the 31-year-old. His move to Italy was also welcomed with positivity by former Arsenal star Nigel Winterburn. Winterburn believes Mkhitaryan is a fine player who will excel outside the London giants.
”Arsenal should look to sell Mkhitaryan to a European team this transfer window. When everyone is back fit for Arsenal, Mkhitaryan is going to struggle to get any game time at all during the season. Mkhitaryan looks a frustrated figure, nothing seems to be working out for him on the pitch his passes are misplaced, his shooting is off and he can’t beat his man” Winterburn said in the summer.
Striker Edin Dzeko, who also plays for Roma said he hopes Mkhitaryan can stay at the club. Obviously impressed by the former Arsenal player’s contribution, Dzeko told media outlets, ”He’s a great pro. I remember him also from Borussia Dortmund times and he will be a big player for us. Hopefully, he can stay a long time here. He will see that we are playing football here and immediately he scored a goal so hopefully, he can have more goals and a lot of assists for us.”
Mkhitaryan made a season-long move to Italy on the final day of the European transfer window. Since moving to Italy, the forward has since found his feet scoring on his debut game against Sassuolo. Roma later went on to win that match 4-2.
Mkhitaryan’s Italian move has since proved to be a success, with him gaining his confidence back. The forward has proved he has not only the pace but the finishing ability to make the starting eleven. A permanent move and a revisit to his current contract may be underway.
