Today Armenia and AS Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan turns 31 years old.
He’s had his fair share of goals and wins, a drastic advance in career, struggle, hard work and dedication.
On Mkhitaryan’s birthday, Mediamax Sport recalls one of the best games in his career, the win in Europa League 2017 final with Manchester United.
Friends Arena watched the clash between the Mancunians and Ajax on May 24. Jose Mourinho’s men won 2-0 and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the winner.
Photo: Reuters
Paul Pogba opened the score in the 18th minute, Mkhitaryan’s turn came an hour and a half later.
Photo: Reuters
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana could do nothing as the ball went into the net.
Photo: Reuters
Manchester United’s goalscorers, Pogba and Mkhitaryan celebrated together after the score went 2-0.
Photo: Reuters
“I wasn’t supposed to be there, but I had a yellow card and Ander Herrera said I should get into the penalty box. And I scored!” Mkhitaryan explained.
Photo: Reuters
The Armenian midfielder was later recognized Man of the Match, getting 42% of votes in the UEFA poll.
Photo: Reuters
Mkhitaryan later won Manchester United’s Goal of the Month too, for May.
Photo: Reuters
He became the first Armenian player to compete and score in the Europa League final.
Photo: Reuters
In the 11 Europa League games Mkhitaryan played that season, he scored 6 goals, 4 of them in a row. The last time a player had that index happened in UEFA Cup in 1964-1965 season.
Photo: MU
“I am very happy to win the Europa League. I dreamed every day that I would score in the final,” said Mkhitaryan.
He draped the Armenian flag over his shoulders after winning the game and celebrated realizing that dream with the Europa League trophy in his hands.
Photo: Reuters
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