Henrikh Mkhitaryan may have built a global reputation off the back of three impressive years at Borussia Dortmund, but he says that player isn’t coming back.
That’s not to say the midfielder is not as ambitious as before, he just believes his game is evolving as a result of his new surroundings.
The Armenia international was a free-scoring creative midfielder during his spells at Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk, netting 85 goals in 246 appearances (a goal every 2.89 games) over the course of six years.
Those stats took a sharp dive during an 18-month spell at Manchester United and have since levelled off at the Emirates.
Reflecting on the way his game has changed, Mkhitaryan told Arsenal Player: “I don’t think you’re going to see the Dortmund Mkhitaryan, because in Dortmund the philosophy was different, the playing style was different, the league was different.
“Arsenal are playing in a different league with a different manager and different team-mates. I don’t want to see the old Mkhitaryan being here at Arsenal. I want to be someone new, someone else who can show that he’s capable of doing the same for Arsenal as well.”
No doubt, the fact Arsenal have so much choice in the attacking department also plays a part in how and when he plays. Mkhitaryan is a quality option to play on the flanks, but he’s far from the first name on the team sheet in N5.
Our Micki isn’t driven by personal stats though, he’s all about the collective and he’s desperate to add to his trophy cabinet with Arsenal. A cursory glance at Wikipedia tells us the 29-year-old has won six league titles in Armenia and Ukraine, four domestic cups, five ‘charity shield’ thingys and the Europa League.
“I’m not just playing football to play, I’m always playing football to win games and titles,” he added.
“At the end of your football career, people are going to remember you for what you have achieved, what you have won. I’m playing to win titles, I’m doing my best for this club to win titles and of course that’s my main goal.”
Good aim, we all want trophies.
Though I did like the Dortmund version, especially the link up with Auba. Can we keep some of that Mkhit too please.
That’s nice and all, but I’d be really chuffed with Dortmund Mikhi.
He’s taking the micki
Oh I want the Dortmund Mkhitaryan. Would’ve been the closest thing to a Robert Pires replacement.
Present Mkhitaryan is too inconsistent and lacking in belief…doesn’t work as hard as the old Mkhitaryan.
Biggest regret was not seeing this guy play alongside Alexis and Ozil.
Dortmund Micki will come very2 soon..with a lil bit of Arsenal Micki on top of the icing..Auba too..
I like Mkhitaryan, he looks like he’s got plenty of end product.
If he stays fit and plays? He could easily bag 15+ goals and 15+ assists.
i think mkhi and auba is the closest player we hace who have played in similar system like the one emery wants. you can see it in the way mkhi is playing full of intent. he has beem our best attacking player so far. defensively he may be a bit weak but the intent is there unlike ozil. and probably we are going to see the best season of.him this year. i just hope emery rewards the performancr and play iwobi ramsey and mkhi together . it could be our best attacking formation.
He is speaking the right words for sure
Let us all push in One Direction…
collectively we can accomplish anything…..
Let’s concentrate on winning the league…. It is winniable….. Just believe
I can’t believe Gervinho hasn’t had a proper haircut yet.
Sagna should let him know
His left leg doesn’t know what his right leg is doing, he’s tried getting to the hairdressers on multiple occasions, but just ends up in an entirely different location.
As it stands Mhki seems like he will hold on to the title of ‘greatest Armenian footballer ever’.
Atleast until young player inspired by him comes along.
Arsenal pay his wages.
He should concentrate more on his form and what his manager is instructing him to do than having silly interviews like this – don’t expect Dortmund Micki – WTF???
He should be worrying about the West Ham game – we are not the only team playing at the Emirates on Sunday who have a point to prove.
I just get the feeling with modern footballers they are more interested in social media than playing football….
They pay his wages and then interview him on Arsenal Player. He’s not tweeting about it. They asked him about how he used to play and he said that’s no longer his role.
I wish it still was because I think we need more options between Auba and Ozil. It’s why the club keeps looking for a winger.
I too think some modern players are more interested in social media but I don’t think that’s Micki. He just spoke to the club website.
I think u got it wrongly..
Annd also, modern footballers are obliged with media responsibility..its not like Micki, invited the press because he got something to say
Hey Micki your so fine.