Questioning Mkhitaryan's Reputation Threatens Our Future: Statement

The Yerevan football club 'Urartu' has issued a statement regarding the situation surrounding the national team’s leading player, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

“Recently, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s name has been unnecessarily exploited across the internet, social networks, and other platforms. The matter is that our captain had a phone conversation with the national team’s head coach and stated that he cannot join the team as he believes he is not in good shape. This situation has divided the public into several factions: those who accept Mkhitaryan's decision, those who have some ulterior motives and therefore support Mkhitaryan, and those who consider such a move unacceptable. We believe that this issue has clear boundaries: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the head coach of the national team, and the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA). These boundaries should not be expanded. Moreover, others should not use this situation as an excuse to fulfill their own ambitions.

We are concerned about all of this, as we have one of the largest football schools in Armenia, and we present Mkhitaryan as a successful player to our students. He is the only player in the history of independent Armenia who not only has achieved success playing in leading European clubs but has also made Armenia and the Armenian people recognizable. Mkhitaryan is a role model for our young footballers, their motivation, and therefore by questioning his reputation, we are jeopardizing the future of our football.

We are confident that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will still bring us and our football fans many joyful moments while wearing the national team jersey. As known, Henrikh has signed a contract with Roma. We wish him success and are confident that we will continue to take pride in the player Henrikh Mkhitaryan for many years to come,” the statement released by Urartu's press service reads.

It is noteworthy that Henrikh Mkhitaryan refused to join the Armenian national team for the upcoming Nations League matches in September. According to the head coach of the national team, Joaquin Caparros, Mkhitaryan declined to join the national team due to being in poor shape; however, he promised to join the team in October.