Mkhitaryan reveals Arsenal legend was his footballing idol
The midfielder has lifted the lid on the player he looked up to most as a youngster and also discussed how he has worked his way back into the Manchester United team.
Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was his Premier League idol growing up.
The Gunners forward is the club's all-time leading scorer with an incredible 228 goals and is considered by many to be the best foreign player to play in English football.
And Mkhitaryan was clearly a big fan of the former France international, insisting that he always followed the progress of the Arsenal striker.
He said: "I always supported Henry when he was playing for Arsenal. He is one of my favourite players because at that time I was also playing as a striker as a child. Then I became a midfielder".
Armenian star Mkhitaryan arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer but initially struggled for first-team minutes at Old Trafford and had only made one league start until December.
The 27-year-old has, however, featured from the off in the last four matches in all competitions, scoring in his last two games before he was injured in the second half of United's 1-0 win over Tottenham.
Reflecting on his spell out of the side, Mkhitaryan said: "It's always a pleasure to play. To play for Manchester United is a dream. I'm always happy to start a game for this team. I'm always trying to do my best for this team.
"English football is really different to football in other countries. So if you're playing in Germany, France, England or Spain you have to get used to playing in that league.
"In the beginning it was a little bit hard but I keep doing everything that is needed to become a Premier League player.
"I've done hard work and I've tried to do everything the manager is asking from me to play in this team and to be useful for the team".
Mkhitaryan is set to miss United's next two games against Crystal Palace and West Brom respectively, although could return for the Boxing Day clash with Sunderland at Old Trafford.