Roma star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has announced that he will no longer play with the Armenian national team: ‘It’s the right time.’
The 33-year-old took to his official Instagram account to explain his decision.
“Dear Friends,
“I remember when I first put on my National Team jersey, this was in a friendly against Panama, and my first goal for my nation, in a World Cup qualifier against Estonia. I wanted to win every step of my career, no matter how difficult that would be.
“It was an honor to play for my nation for the past 15 years and even more so of an honor to captain it for the last 6 years.
“After 95 international caps, hard work, passion and unprecedented ups and downs along the journey representing my country on the field, I have taken the decision to retire from my international career with the Armenian National Team.
“I came to this decision after my last game against Germany in November. I think it is the right time. I’ve given everything I can possibly give to my National Team. For the coming years I will therefore be fully focused on my club career.
“My soccer nest was woven in Armenia, my homeland, and I will forever be grateful to every single person who supported me, who coached me, who I played with and who contributed to my growth as a footballer and as a person.
“Good luck to my National Team!
“Forever yours
“Heno.”
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Mkhitaryan, a former Arsenal and Manchester United striker, joined Roma as a free agent from the Gunners in September 2020. He has scored 27 goals in 105 games with the Giallorossi and is one of the regular starters under José Mourinho this term.
The coach and the ex-Armenia international were not on good terms at Manchester United, but their rapport has improved in Rome where Mkhitaryan has played 32 goals this term, scoring three goals and delivering seven assists.
His contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires at the end of the season, but given his role in Mourinho’s squad this term, he is likely to extend with the Giallorossi for one more season.