When Henrikh Mkhitaryan swapped the Emirates Stadium for the Stadio Olimpico last summer, few understood the emotional weight behind his decision. Now, the Armenian maestro opens up about his Premier League struggles and why Serie A has reignited his footballing soul – a story Mcw brings you with exclusive insights.
The Unraveling of a Premier League Journey
Mkhitaryan‘s 39-game Arsenal career yielded just 8 league goals – a stark contrast to his Bundesliga heroics at Borussia Dortmund. Speaking after his match-winning brace for Armenia against Bosnia in recent Euro qualifiers, the 34-year-old revealed the psychological toll of English football:
“I stopped feeling that spark when I stepped onto the pitch. In England, the game became mechanical – like solving the same tactical puzzle every week without joy.”
Tactical Misfit or Cultural Clash?
Football analyst Marco Bianchi of Mcw notes:
“Mkhitaryan‘s technical profile suits Serie A’s slower build-up. In England, his 1.7 key passes per game (2018/19) were negated by Arsenal’s transitional play. At Roma, he averages 2.3 under Paulo Fonseca’s possession system.”
The numbers reveal a telling story:
- Dribble success rate: 58% (PL) → 72% (Serie A)
- Touches in opp. box: 4.1/game → 6.3/game
- Shot conversion: 12% → 18%
The Sanchez Parallel
Interestingly, Mkhitaryan‘s career mirrors Alexis Sanchez’s path – both swapped Manchester for London before finding refuge in Italy. While Sanchez floundered at Inter, Mkhitaryan thrived, contributing to 15 goals in his debut Roma season.
“The Italian game rewards intelligence over athleticism,” notes former Roma striker Vincenzo Montella in a Mcw interview. “Micki reads spaces like a chess player – something English football rarely appreciates.”
Renaissance in Rome
Mkhitaryan‘s emotional confession resonates:
“When Roma called, I didn’t ask about wages. I needed to fall in love with football again. This isn’t a step down – it’s rediscovering why I play.”
His impact extends beyond stats:
- Created 3 big chances in Europa League semifinals
- 89% pass accuracy in Serie A 2023
- 4 MOTM awards since January
What’s Next for the Armenian Magician?
With Jose Mourinho reportedly keen to extend his stay, Mcw sources suggest Mkhitaryan could become Roma’s creative lynchpin for their 2023/34 European campaign. His story serves as a reminder that footballers aren’t just assets – they’re artists needing the right canvas.
“Now when I play, I smile instinctively,” he concludes. “That’s worth more than any paycheck.”
For more transformative football stories and tactical deep dives, stay tuned to Mcw – where the game’s human side takes center stage.
