Henrikh Mkhitaryan

“I really enjoy my life in Manchester, my training, my games, everything.”

“The year after my father died, I started football training. He was the drive for me; he was my idol. I said to myself, 'I have to run just like him. I have to shoot just like him.'”

“Every person has to keep in mind that they can grow up and reach the top, no matter where they are born, whether it's in Russia, in Ukraine, in Europe; they've still got the opportunity to show their talent and the culture of their people.”

“I read about the history of England, of Manchester. I wanted to know how people here live, their interests.”

“I always wanted to become a football player, and I thank my parents, as they helped me so much to realise this dream. They always supported me on my path.”

“I want to do everything to get to a new level.”

“I play football like chess. You have to think a lot and anticipate what could happen after you make your move.”

“When I came first to Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp said, 'Listen, Mkhitaryan, it's your family name - it's too long. So Henrikh, it's too long. Let's call you Micki. Are you okay?' I said, 'Okay, no problem.' And since that day, they started calling me Micki.”

“Regarding Jose Mourinho, I hope I can learn a lot from him - he is a coach with a fantastic record.”

“You have to try and do everything to show your best qualities; otherwise, you will not be here anymore.”

“Everything comes from your mind. You have to push yourself to get things going in your direction. If you are stubborn, nothing will help. If you are sad, nothing will help. You have to keep positive and to work very well for your next chance.”

“As a footballer, you just have to try to learn what you've done bad and what I could do good.”

“It would be fair to say that the start of my life in Manchester was not perfect, but there have been many other times when I've had setbacks, and I have never given up.”

“The Brazilians are amazing in their nature. You cannot describe it; you must feel that warmth when you're around them to understand.”

“My father played five years for Valence in France's second division. I'd always cry when he would leave for training. Every morning, I'd say, 'Dad, take me with you. Please, please take me with you!'”

“I never promise something; I always say that I will try. Because if you promise something and you don't do it, you will always be under pressure.”

“I did not want to later look back in my life and say, 'Why would you not make times change?'”

“The most dangerous area is the centre, which has to be either attacked or defended in football, and it's the same in chess.”

“I am very proud to join Manchester United. This move is a dream come true for me.”

“If you play football, you have to try to do the maximum, so I'm always doing the maximum for myself because, after my football career, I want to sit down and think I did something good.”