Roma striker Mkhitaryan was interviewed by Sky Sports Italy today, talking about his reasons for choosing to stay in Rome and clarifying the friction between him and manager Jose Mourinho in the past, saying that the two have reconciled and hope to start better cooperation again in Rome.
What are Roma's goals for the new season?
Our goals haven't changed much compared to last year, but everyone has to do their best to try to play better than last year. Although it is not easy, we also have a new coach and bring a new concept, we need to adapt to the new tactics as soon as possible, and I hope to get better this year than last year.
Why did you choose to stay in Rome? (Mkhitaryan had a free leave clause at the end of last season)
I chose to stay in Roma because I believed in the club's plans and I was attracted from the start. I had a great time in Rome, I like this team and I like the city and I think I can win the honour with the team when I stay in Rome. Although I also received offers from Italian and overseas teams, I chose to stay in Rome and I am happy with this decision.
Who contacted you?
I can't say that. [Laughs]
Let's talk about Mourinho
He's a very ambitious coach, always hungry for victory, he doesn't care at all about the game scenes playing well or badly, he only cares about the result of the game (three points), everyone knows he has won everything and we also hope to win honors under his leadership because he can inspire the level of the players.
I don't really want to talk about the past, we've already communicated each other and both sides will start over from a new stage, I know he's very demanding of the players, but I'm ready for everything, everything has been made clear between us.
Zaniolo didn't play for the team last season, so Roma are like signing a new signing, what impression does he leave on you?
From the first day I met Zaniolo, I thought he was a very amazing player, I had high hopes for him, and I also believed that he could make a huge contribution to the team, make up for the loss of last season's absence, and in the new season Zaniolo will return to the pitch, his physical and technical ability will say everything, I believe that he will be very good this season and help Roma to achieve as good results as possible.
Who are the three strongest players you've worked with?
The first is Ibrahimovic, who is a top player and has a very good understanding of football and tactics. Then there's Pogba, he's very strong and people sometimes underestimate him, but I think he's a player who can change the game on his own. The third is Aubameyang, we have a very good relationship and I know him very well.
Who will win serie A this year?
I think serie A this year will be as competitive as last year, but it will also be interesting because all teams will be well prepared. I don't know who can win the title because the league hasn't started yet and I haven't seen any other teams and now Roma need to focus on themselves and most importantly what we want ourselves.
Roma haven't made it to the Champions League for two or three years, so we have to work harder and I'm sure the team can qualify for the Champions League this year.
Who do you think the 2021 Ballon d'Or winners will be?
If it were up to me to decide, I would award it to Giogenio, who is very strong and has won the Champions League with Chelsea and the European Championship with the Italian national team. Or it was awarded to Messi, who led Argentina to win the Copa America after a gap of 28 years.
(Editor: Yao Fan)
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