Mkhitaryan: ‘Inter players all bricks in the same wall’

Inter Milan’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (R) celebrates scoring the 1-0 opening goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and AC Milan in Milan, Italy, 16 September 2023. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

Henrikh Mkhitaryan reveals the strength behind Inter is their unity after he bagged a brace to thrash rivals Milan 5-1. ‘We are all bricks in the same wall.’

The Nerazzurri maintained their 100 per cent record in Serie A this season and are top of the table alone now, even though Rafael Leao did score the first goal they have conceded in four rounds.

“We are very happy, especially me! The important thing is not that I scored, but that we won and continued a great start to the season,” the Armenian told DAZN.

He found the net twice at San Siro, with new signings Marcus Thuram and Davide Frattesi also on target, plus a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty.

“With our fans behind us, we can do anything. We want to thank them for their support, both in the four games so far and all of last season. We must continue like this and will see what happens.”

People had questioned why Mkhitaryan was still in the starting XI after Frattesi scored twice for Italy against Ukraine on Tuesday, so the brace today is a strong response.

“We are all here for one objective, it doesn’t matter if I start or am on the bench, what matters is that we all give our contribution and support. The coach chooses the starting XI, we all want the second star and it doesn’t matter who plays, we are all bricks in the same wall.

“The team has changed, but those who arrived know full well what it means to play for Inter and what is expected of us. You see everyone is eager to give a hand and help out, whether they start or not.”

The 34-year-old remains in great shape and played the full 95 minutes this evening.

“I do my best, we’ll see how long I can keep going!”

Mkhitaryan joined Inter as a free agent from Roma in the summer of 2022 and before that had been released by Arsenal, but showed he can still make a strong impact.