Henrikh Mkhitaryan Begins 20th Professional Season at 37, Says Discipline Has Fueled His Longevity

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is preparing for his 20th season as a professional footballer, a milestone the Armenian midfielder says reflects the discipline and consistency that have kept him at the top of the game for two decades.

The 37-year-old spoke during Inter Milan’s preseason tour in Perth, Australia, where the Italian champions are preparing for the new campaign.

“This is my 20th season as a professional, and I’m obviously very happy,” Mkhitaryan said. “It means a lot to me. It tells me that maybe I’ve done everything the right way throughout my career. That’s why I’ve been able to play for so long.”

Now the oldest player in Inter’s squad, Mkhitaryan has taken on a larger leadership role, particularly with the club’s younger players.

He said much of the squad at the start of preseason was made up of academy prospects and other young players trying to establish themselves.

“I try to set an example for them,” he said. “I try to do everything the right way and show them aspects of the game they can learn from.”

Mkhitaryan said his responsibility goes beyond training and matches. He also tries to guide younger teammates through the demands of professional football.

“I try to give them advice, both on and off the pitch,” he said. “But in the end, it’s up to them whether they want to take it on board. We’re a team, we’re a family, and we have to achieve our objectives together.”

Inter traveled to Australia after defeating Manchester City in Hong Kong. The club is also scheduled to face Serie A rivals AC Milan and Juventus as part of its preseason program.

Mkhitaryan said the main purpose of those matches is to improve fitness and sharpen the team before the season begins, although Inter will still approach them with the intention of winning.

“These matches are all part of our preparation,” he said. “The results themselves aren’t what matters most, but of course we’ll try to win and make sure we’re ready when the season begins.”

After winning the Serie A title last season, Inter enters the new campaign as defending champion. Mkhitaryan said the team is not dwelling on the trophy and is instead focused on showing that last year’s success was earned.

“Our focus is on being ready and proving that we deserved to win it last season,” he said. “What we achieved will give us motivation and confidence to try to do it again.”

The trip is Mkhitaryan’s first visit to Australia. He described Perth as a beautiful city, though he said the team’s schedule had left him little time to explore.

Mkhitaryan also praised Australian international Cristian Volpato, his former Roma teammate, calling him a major talent whose progress has come through hard work.

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