Manchester Evening News
Wednesday
Hen picks up another winner's medal
by ciaran kelly
HENRIKH Mkhitaryan has received yet another individual award in his
homeland - and it is his most prestigious yet.
The seven-time Armenian footballer of the year was awarded a
first-class medal of services to the motherland on Sunday at a
ceremony in Yerevan.
The medal, one of Armenia's biggest honours, is usually awarded to
serviceman and soldiers but is occasionally given to public figures
who have made a positive contribution to society.
And Mkhitaryan, Armenia's captain and record goalscorer, was among
those recognised by president Serzh Sargsyan at the Armenian
Presidential Palace.
"I won't compare the medal with any goal, you can't compare those
things," he said after the ceremony.
"When Serzh Sargsyan was handing me the medal, he thanked me for good
representation of Armenia." Mkhitaryan wrapped the Armenia flag around
his shoulders as he celebrated United's 2-0 win over Ajax in the
Europa League final in Stcockholm.
The 28-year-old scored the Reds' crucial second goal when he knocked
in Chris Smalling's flick-on with his back to goal.
He has regularly been spotted out and about in Manchester city centre.
Among his favourite haunts is the Armenian Taverna at Princess Street
- much to the pleasure of owner Arman "Everybody loves him - and we
are proud that we have him playing at Manchester United," he said.
