MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter Milan celebrates after netting the first goal for his team during the Serie A TIM match against AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 16, 2023. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan reflects on his tumultuous relationships with several coaches, notably the contentious split with José Mourinho at Manchester United and the conclusion of Simone Inzaghi’s tenure at Inter Milan.
The Armenian midfielder is set to release his autobiography in Italy titled ‘La mia vita sempre al centro’ (My Life Always in the Middle), featuring various extracts that have garnered significant media attention.
He shares his perspective on the events that led to his heated confrontation with Mourinho during their time together at Manchester United from 2016 to 2018.
The Mkhitaryan-Mourinho Feud
Inter Milan’s Armenian midfielder #22 Henrikh Mkhitaryan battles for possession with Cagliari's Zito Luvumbo during their Serie A clash at San Siro Stadium in Milan on April 14, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)
“I confronted him, saying that he had been criticizing me for a year and a half since my arrival at Manchester United,” Mkhitaryan wrote in his book.
“Mourinho called me ‘s**t’, and I lost my temper, responding with, ‘You're the s**t. A massive one.’”
The exchange escalated, with Mourinho stating, ‘Get out of here, I never want to see you again.’ During training, he maintained silence, yet would send nightly WhatsApp messages asking me to leave. ‘Miki, please go.’”
Mkhitaryan recounted, “The situation became absurd. I would reply with the same message every time: ‘I will leave if I find the right team; otherwise, I’ll wait until summer.’ In mid-January, the tone shifted. ‘Miki, please leave, so I can get Alexis Sanchez.’”
As negotiations unfolded, he informed Mourinho, “I won’t leave just to benefit you; communicate with Mino Raiola instead.”
Eventually, the swap was finalized, with Sanchez moving to Manchester United and Mkhitaryan joining Arsenal.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MAY 31: José Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, reacts after the UEFA Europa League final match against Sevilla FC on May 31, 2023, at Puskas Arena. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Interestingly, Mkhitaryan and Mourinho reunited briefly at Roma during the 2021-22 season, managing to put aside their previous disagreements.
Following that, the midfielder transferred to Inter as a free agent in 2022 and worked under Inzaghi, though tensions arose towards the end, coinciding with Inzaghi's decision to accept a position at Al-Hilal, which he publicly denied.
Mkhitaryan explained, “The media reported that Inzaghi was set to join Al-Hilal, but he refused to discuss it with us. On June 4, Al-Hilal officially announced him as their new coach. I sent him a message expressing gratitude for our three wonderful years together.”
“We’re adults, and honestly, the separation was not easy, especially the way it unfolded.”
Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi speaks with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan during a Serie A match against Atalanta in Milan on February 28, 2024. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP)
Simone Inzaghi attempted to recruit some of his former Inter players for Al-Hilal, and Mkhitaryan admitted he also considered an offer from the Saudi Pro League in 2024.
“I received an offer from Saudi Arabia as well, but I made it clear from the outset that I wasn’t interested in discussing it—I was committed to Inter.”
