Mkhitaryan's farewell message to United fans
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has thanked everyone at Manchester United for their support during his one-and-a-half year stay at the club.
The Armenia international joined another Premier League club, Arsenal, on Monday evening as Alexis Sanchez moved in the opposite direction to Old Trafford.
After his switch to the Gunners was confirmed, Mkhitaryan released a statement on his official Instagram account which read: "I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Manchester United players and staff, and especially the fans for your love, passion and support. I enjoyed having the honour of contributing to the history of your great club by winning the Europa League.
"I will always cherish the memory of that moment and that match. And of my Boxing Day scorpion kick and of hearing the song “Whoa Mkhitaryan...” every time I stepped onto the pitch. I could name many more memories, I enjoyed every moment we shared and cheered together.
"At this stage of my career, I have to enjoy myself on the pitch and play. Thanks from the bottom of my heart and the best of luck to all of you! Life goes on."
To thank all those who contributed to my documentary I'll donate ManUtd jersey signed by the players to help cancer affected kids in Armenia pic.twitter.com/rv5IOZvGfn
— Henrikh Mkhitaryan (@HenrikhMkh) January 22, 2018
A CLASSY GESTURE
Mkhitaryan also revealed on Twitter that he will donate a United shirt signed by all of the players to help children affected by cancer in his native Armenia, as a special thank you to everyone who contributed to his documentary 'Micki: An Armenian Hero', which aired on MUTV in November.
REDS PAY TRIBUTE TO MICKI
After news of Mkhitaryan's move was announced, the club and players used social media to wish him well at the Emirates Stadium...
We would like to wish @HenrikhMkh the best of luck for the future after completing his move to Arsenal.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
Thanks for the memories, Micki. pic.twitter.com/mbSDN3lf2w
All the best, my friend 🤘🏾 pic.twitter.com/6BhenuIc3f
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) January 22, 2018
All the best & enjoy my friend 🙌🏻💪🏻👊🏻 https://t.co/LdqCoSI4jy
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) January 22, 2018
Best of luck to @HenrikhMkh with his move to Arsenal. He's been a fantastic supporter of Foundation projects and always brought the Micki magic to our events. pic.twitter.com/jgqatYiWwi
— Man Utd Foundation (@MU_Foundation) January 23, 2018
GOOD LUCK AT ARSENAL
Mkhitaryan joined the Reds from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund in July 2016, making his competitive debut as a substitute in United’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City in the Community Shield at Wembley. It was the first of three trophies that the 29-year-old helped the club to win in his first and only full season, with the League Cup and UEFA Europa League to follow.
The midfielder went on to make 63 Reds appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals. His last outing came in the Emirates FA Cup third-round win over Derby County at Old Trafford on 5 January.
Jose Mourinho praised Mkhitaryan for his contribution, saying: “I would like to wish Henrikh all the success and happiness that I am sure he is going to get. He is a player that we will not forget, especially for his contribution to our Europa League victory.”
Everyone at the club echoes the manager's sentiments and wishes Henrikh all the best for the future.