Henrikh Mkhitaryan gives an update after scoring and limping off during Inter’s 3-1 win over Udinese. ‘If the coach decides, then I am ready to play every game.’
It was a crucial match for the Nerazzurri, as Napoli had already won last night and risked going 18 points clear at the top of the table.
Romelu Lukaku’s penalty was cancelled out by Sandi Lovric, but late on Mkhitaryan and Lautaro Martinez secured the 3-1 victory.
This replicates the result that Udinese got against Inter back in September at the Dacia Arena.
There were some concerns, as Mkhitaryan limped off during stoppages after a knock.
“I am fine, at least I hope I am fine, it’s a bit painful. The most important thing is that we won and got the three points,” the Armenian told Sky Sport Italia.
The 3-1 result is the exact reverse of the last time these sides met at the Dacia Arena in September.
“It is always difficult to play against Udinese, as we saw earlier this season. We had problems this evening too before restoring our lead and we risked conceding, but after going 2-1 up it became clear we would win this game.”
Mkhitaryan had been one of those who was expected to rest today, but the 34-year-old seems to never run out of energy.
“I understand the importance of the games, I am doing everything I can to recover as quickly as possible. I am ready to play every game, if the coach decides that I play, then I play, if not then I sit on the bench and cheer on my teammates. We are a team, it doesn’t matter who plays, as long as we all contribute.”
The Champions League Round of 16 is coming up on Wednesday and Mkhitaryan is one of those in the squad with the most experience at this level.
“Obviously it is fundamental to win the home leg. It will not be easy, as we know Porto’s strengths, I already faced them last season in a friendly for Roma, so we must be ready.”