How ex-Man Utd and Arsenal flop Mkhitaryan can make history in Champions League final as Inter Milan take on PSG
HE bombed without trace at two of the Premier League's biggest clubs and he was the often-forgotten makeweight in one of most disastrous transfers in the top-flight's recent history.
But at the age of 36, Henrikh Mkhitaryan can make European football history by helping Inter Milan to the Champions League crown against Paris Saint-Germain.
Advertisement
4
Henrikh Mkhitaryan can become the first player to win all three European competitions
Credit: Getty
4
He already has the Europa and Conference Leagues to his name
Credit: Getty
When Alexis Sanchez switched from Arsenal to Old Trafford in January 2018 — a move announced by an infamous social-media video of the Chilean tickling the ivories with 'Glory, Glory
And while Sanchez became one of United's greatest flops, Mkhitaryan did not fare much better in north London.
The Armenian midfield man was Arsene Wenger's penultimate
And they were perhaps best summed up helping Unai Emery's Gunners to the 2019 Europa League final against
Advertisement
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Yet if Inter claim the Champions League - Mkhitaryan will become the first player to play an active role in winning the finals of all three existing European club competitions.
He both lifted the Europa League and Conference League under Jose Mourinho — with United in 2017 and Roma in 2022 — even though The Special One ditched him in that Sanchez swap deal.
The feeling was Mkhitaryan was too lightweight and passive for the Premier League.
And while United fans enjoyed his occasional moments of flair, Mourinho took against him.
Advertisement
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
Yet at Inter his experience and nous make him a key member of Simone Inzaghi's side which narrowly missed out on the Scudetto as well as losing this season's Italian Cup final.
They are desperate to avoid a hat-trick of runners-up medals by winning in Munich.
Mkhitaryan said: 'I hope experience will count in the final. It's not just me, I have a lot of experienced team-mates.'
Advertisement
He is not kidding. In Serie A, they certainly value a good veteran.
Mkhitaryan, his fellow former Man Utd player Matteo Darmian, keeper Yann Sommer and defender
But Inter defeated Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in the quarter- finals before coming through their epic semi-final goalfest with Barcelona — 7-6 on aggregate.
And the bookies are struggling to separate them from a far more youthful PSG side.
Advertisement
4
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of many experienced Inter players
Credit: Alamy
For
On the eve of the final, he did little to dampen down rumours of an impending, money-spinning move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.
Inzaghi, 49, said: 'I will meet the club's senior management and have a chat next week in a very relaxed manner.
Advertisement
'Our decision will have the best interests of Inter at heart.
'But it's hugely exciting before a Champions League final.'
The long road to the final began with a 0-0 draw against old foes City in the league stage.
Inzaghi added: 'We've shown a great desire ever since matchday one in the group phase at City and against some top opposition like Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and
Advertisement
'Now we are just one step shy. We deserve to be here.
"Two years ago we played against Pep's City — who were the best team in the world at that time — and we possibly deserved more.
'We have learned from that and we will use that experience.
'
Advertisement
'But we have the most possession in Serie A this season.
'We must keep the ball and use our hard running, desire and experience if we are to bring home the trophy.'
Flanked by captain Lautaro Martinez — a World Cup winner with Argentina — and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella, Inzaghi said: 'I am here with two players who bleed black and blue. They are hugely important players. I have blind faith in both of them.
'I am asking them all for concentration and determination — but not obsession because we need cool heads and free minds.
Advertisement
'We have Champions League and World Cup winners in the squad and we have learned a lot over our four years together.'
Martinez, who has netted nine times in this season's Champions League, says the players will dedicate the trophy to Inzaghi if they beat PSG.
The striker, 27, said: 'We're pretty relaxed about the rumour, we hear them day in and day out about our players and coach.
'We want to dedicate this trophy to the coach as well as the fans and our families who are with us every day.
Advertisement
'Everything we have achieved is down to the hard work, sacrifice and humility of the team unit.'
4
Simone Inzaghi says his side have learned from final heartbreak two years ago
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Rodri impressing fellow Man City midfielder Nico Gonzalez as he ramps up fitness
Nico Gonzalez believes Rodri is getting back to his best level after continuing his comeback at the Club World Cup. Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri missed most of Manchester City's 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury last September. He returned to action by playing seven minutes in City's penultimate Premier League fixture against Bournemouth last month and came on for the last half-hour of Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola brought on Rodri against Wydad Casablanca (Derik Hamilton/AP) Gonzalez, who plays in a similar position, was signed by City in January partly to provide cover for Rodri. The 23-year-old believes he can learn a lot from his fellow Spaniard, who he feels is 'even better' than he thought. Gonzalez said: 'He has been (back training) a couple of months. He is an amazing player and really good in everything that can be good in a midfielder. 'I am trying to learn the most I can and I think I am starting to watch him at his best level. I am seeing things that I haven't seen in a lot of midfielders. Nico Gonzalez, pictured, is trying to learn from Rodri (Martin Rickett/PA) 'I try to see all the passes the players don't see and take as much from him as I can. He helps me a lot. He is Spanish so we are starting to have a good relationship.' Gonzalez's signing came alongside those of Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in the mid-season transfer window as City began to respond to their underwhelming season. The squad overhaul has continued with the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Marcus Bettinelli this month. Omar Marmoush is among the recent signings at City (Martin Rickett/PA) Yet while City have clearly decided fresh faces are required after a failure to mount a strong title challenge and a premature Champions League exit, Gonzalez does not feel there was ever anything wrong with the spirit. He said: 'The mentality of all these players was always good. I don't think the mentality is what didn't make us win a trophy. I think the attitude and mentality was really good. 'Sometimes you have a better season, sometimes worse. I hope this season is the best possible.' City play their second match at the Club World Cup, and could secure a place in the last 16, when they face Al Ain of Abu Dhabi in Atlanta on Sunday night (2am Monday BST).
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Tottenham ask Bournemouth about Antoine Semenyo then immediately stop transfer pursuit
TOTTENHAM reportedly launched an enquiry for Antoine Semenyo before immediately halting their pursuit of the Bournemouth star. New 2 Tottenham made an enquiry for Antoine Semenyo before immediately ending their interest Credit: Getty And Semenyo, 25, emerged as a target after Tottenham also put The Bees' French forward netted 20 Premier League goals last term. But despite the opportunity to reunite with Frank in north London, Mbeumo reportedly favours a £60m move to Semenyo then became the clear alternative after also proving himself to be a goal menace when cutting inside on his left foot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL However, the Cherries have already seen their squad ravaged by big sides this summer. Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid for £50million last month, while fellow defender Illya Zabarnyi could be off to Paris Saint-Germain for around £60m. Milos Kerkez has also agreed a £40m switch to Premier League champs Liverpool. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS And with forwards always carrying a premium, it's claimed that Bournemouth told Tottenham to pay £70m for Semenyo. The mind-blowing fee was immediately rebuffed Spurs, who have decided to not pursue a deal for now. Daniel Levy reveals he wants Tottenham to win Champions League AND Premier League under 'super' Thomas Frank They will continue to scour the market for a new right-sided forward at a better price. But should Tottenham fail to secure an alternative, they could come back for Semenyo later in the transfer window. The former Bristol City and Sunderland man still has four years to run on his Cherries contract. And Semenyo is also on the shortlist at Man United, who could move should they end up losing Mbeumo to Spurs. 2
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Liverpool target Marc Guéhi prepared to see out final year of Palace contract
Marc Guéhi will not be rushed into a decision on his future and is prepared to see out the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace if the right move does not materialise this summer. Palace are looking to cash in on the England defender, who is a target for Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham, but there is a possibility of the club losing one of their biggest assets on a free transfer next year. Guéhi, who has no intention of signing an extension, remains open-minded about his next destination and a big consideration for the 24-year-old is making sure he has plenty of playing time next season. The former Chelsea centre-back, who played an integral role in Palace winning the FA Cup, needs to safeguard his place in the England squad before the 2026 World Cup. That means there is an obvious benefit in joining a club who can offer Guéhi a quick route into their starting XI. Liverpool have emerged as strong contenders to sign Guéhi and could bid for him once they sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30m. A potential stumbling block, however, is that Liverpool still have the outstanding duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté as their first-choice pairing in central defence. Van Dijk, 33, has extended his contract with the Premier League champions and is showing no sign of slowing down. The sale of Quansah will leave Liverpool short of defensive cover. The 22-year-old centre-back made 25 appearances for Arne Slot's last season and can also play at right-back. Konaté is entering the final year of his deal and has struggled with injuries at times. Joe Gomez, another of Liverpool's defensive options, has been out since February with a hamstring injury. Guéhi will face a big decision if Liverpool follow up their interest in him by offering enough for Palace to sell. A chance to join the best team in England and work with Slot would be hard to turn down. At the same time there are indications that clubs who can immediately guarantee him regular football retain a good chance of signing him. Newcastle tried to buy Guéhi last summer, only to be put off by Palace's asking price of about £70m, and they remain in the mix after qualifying for the Champions League. Their current options at centre-back include three players in their 30s – Dan Burn, Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles – and the 25-year-old Sven Botman, who missed much of last season through injury. Tottenham will also be in the market for a new defensive partner for Micky van de Ven if they sell Cristian Romero, who has been targeted by Atlético Madrid. Spurs, who have qualified for the Champions League, had an offer of £55m plus £15m in add-ons rejected in January. There seems little prospect of Chelsea following up preliminary interest in Guéhi. Guéhi staying at Palace for another year before leaving for nothing has not been ruled out. He can speak to foreign clubs about signing a pre-contract from January. For Palace, there is a question of making sure their demands remain realistic this summer. Interested clubs are unlikely to want to overpay for a player who is entering the final year of his contract. The Guardian
