Henrikh Mkhitaryan is clear to dedicate himself to Jose Mourinho’s Roma project after retiring from international football.
After winning 95 caps for Armenia, who have never qualified for a World Cup or European Championship, the former Manchester United and Arsenal midfielder will end his career in club football.
Mkhitaryan was captain of his country and a record goalscorer for the national team after netting 32 times.
He announced his retirement from the team on social media, writing a message that he titled, “Farewell my beloved national team”.
The 33-year-old wrote:
“I wanted to win every step of my career, no matter how difficult that would be.
“It was an honour to play for my nation for the past 15 years and even more, an honour to captain it for the last six 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.
“And I came to this decision after my last game against Germany in November. So I think it is the right time.
“I’ve given everything I can give to my national team.
“Therefore, I will be entirely focused on my club career in the coming years.
“I weaved my soccer nest 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.”
Mkhitaryan is approaching the end of a one-year extension to his Roma contract.
And he has performed well for head coach Jose Mourinho.
This season, he has started 24 Serie A games with just Patricio and Abraham making Mourinho’s starting XI.
He has contributed five assists and three goals, with only Veretout and Pellegrini creating more than the 37 chances.
On Thursday, Corriere Dello Sport reported that deal to keep Mkhitaryan at Roma next season.
However, It said there had been interesting from Russian clubs Krasnodar and Spartak Moscow.
But, the possibility of either move has diminished amid the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
With Mkhitaryan said to be happy about the prospect of an extended Serie A stay.
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