Manchester United summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed how his late father was the motivation behind his decision to become a professional footballer.
The Armenia international cruelly lost his father, Hamlet Mkhitaryan, to a brain tumour two decades ago, but has continued to push the family name by developing into one of the best playmakers in European football, thus following in the footsteps of the former professional footballer.
In an interview with Telegraph Sport, the 27-year-old revealed how much of an inspiration his father was to his career and hopes his current success would make him proud
“He was my drive, he was my motivation, because when I was young he was playing football professionally and I was always dreaming about going with him to the training ground.
“Because of him, when we came back to Armenia [as a family], it was my dream to continue his work and to also be a football player.
“It [his death] was a pity but that is life and life continues. I just hope he is proud looking down at me from the sky because I try to do everything to make him proud.
“I would watch footage of him playing many times when I was young but football has changed a lot so if I watch now it’s just to remember the way he played.
“It’s sad because I think he could have helped me with his words and his support.
“I think on one side, yes [his death made me grow up faster] but on the other, no, because it is very difficult when you grow up without a father because in the family you don’t have a real man who can give you direction, discipline.
“But my mother became my mother and father, so I am thankful to her and all the people who were next to me at the time in a hard moment.”
Mkhitaryan completed his big-money transfer to Old Trafford earlier in the summer following an impressive 2015/16 season for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga where he registered 15 assists and also weighed in with 11 goals in 31 appearances.
He’s featured in both of the Red Devils’ pre-season fixtures so far, pulling the strings for 45 minutes against Wigan Athletic before scoring the consolation in the heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of his former club last week.
United’s cancelled friendly against rivals Manchester City in China on Monday means the next time supporters will get the chance to see their new signing in action will be against Galatasaray on Saturday.