MediaMax, Armenia
Mkhitaryan: Armenia loves football and is happy to host U19 EURO
Photo: Photolure
The UEFA U19 European Championship kicks off in Armenia on July 14. The host country chose the national team captain, Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan as the ambassador.
The player has talked to UEFA official website about his time in the U19 squad, his experience and Armenia’s love for football. Mediamax Sport presents his remarks below.
I felt very proud to play for Armenia. It has always been a particular pleasure for me to play in the national team, because we would compete against different national teams and players.
It was a very good experience for us at that age, as we wouldn’t play those types of matches every week in our league.
It also allows you to understand the exact level you are at when you play against other national teams, and what you have to improve.
Zinédine Zidane was my favourite player. He was a Picasso on the pitch, playing incredibly with the ball, creating magic.
I never like to praise myself. Whatever I do, I do it with pleasure. So after my playing career, I will start thinking of the things that I can be proud of. The way I created myself, what I have achieved and where I am now – are what I am proud of.
In Armenia, everyone loves football and I think people are very happy to host this competition, as it is a great opportunity to watch the future stars of European football.
My advice to the players would be to have fun and enjoy every moment, because these kinds of games and competitions could be once in a lifetime. I wish the best of luck to every player.