Armenia international midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan still believes that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is "one of the best in the world" despite the Portuguese boss not giving him many chances to play.
The 27-year-old midfielder was brought in from Bundesliga club, Borussia Dortmund for £30m in the summer transfer window. But despite Mourinho ousting him for the majority of the season so far, Mkhitaryan only has praise for his manager and revealed that it’s not just the Premier League or the history of the club but also Mourinho being one of the main reasons behind his move to Old Trafford.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: Henrikh Mkhitaryan says he deserves to be a key player at Manchester United
"I was always taught by my father to challenge myself and to continue to evolve in my career, and I saw the move to Manchester United as an opportunity to grow as a player and as a person," said Mkhitaryan in an interview with Armenia FA's website.
“Jose is one of the best”
"It was definitely not the salary that made me join Manchester United. I went for football reasons. For the history of the club, the league, the fans and the coach, because he is one of the best in the world.”
The Armenian also spoke about his lack of playing time under Jose Mourinho and that it is just another challenge for him in his career and that he can face any obstacle that comes at him. Mkhitaryan stressed that the club has all the necessary resources for him to succeed and become a key player for the side.
Will continue to fight
"There are no disappointments, just challenges. I never stop or give up when I encounter obstacles in my way. I just continue going until I reach my career objectives.
"Today I don't have enough playing time, so I have to do all my best, so the coaching staff gives me the chance to play. I know I can succeed at Manchester United and I want to show everyone that I deserve to be a key player in this team, in this league," he added.
The Armenian player's last start for the Red Devils came in September where they lost 2-1 to Premier League rivals Manchester City. Since then he only played for the last few minutes against Fenerbahce earlier this month which United lost 2-1 as well.
Praise for the fans
Mkhitaryan had lots of praise for the Manchester United fans and their passion revealing that they support their players no matter what the results are and that is what helps him drive on. The former Bundesliga player also stated that the English Premier League is the best League in the world because of its challenges.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: Manchester United have the highest wage bill in world football
Speaking of the fans, he added, "They simply live football, they love their players and always support the team, regardless if they win or lose. This makes you more hungry to play for them."
"The English Premier League is the best league in the world and it gives me something different, a new challenge."
Henrikh Mkhitaryan did play a full 90 minutes for Armenia in a World Cup qualifier against Montenegro last week helping his team win the game 3-2.
