Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. (Photo : Getty Images)
English Premier League giants Manchester United completed the signing of talisman midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan from German Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday for an undisclosed transfer fee.
The 27-year-old winger, who signed a four-year contract with the Red Devils with an option of extending it to one more year, is set to become the first Armenian to play in the English top flight competitions when he makes his Man United debut at the Vitality Stadium on August 13 against AFC Bournemouth.
New head coach Jose Mourinho is said to be "delighted" about their new signing as the Special One pulled off the club's third big-name signing this summer after recently acquiring defender Eric Bailly from La Liga side Villarreal for £30 million and superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimović on a free transfer.
"Henrikh is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal," Mourinho said, as reported by BBC Sport. "I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United."
"I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League. We are all looking forward to working with him," the Portuguese mentor added.
Mkhitaryan was 15th in the Bundesliga in goalscoring last season with 11 goals in 31 appearances, but his league-leading 15 assists prove that he is an excellent playmaker that would fit Ibrahimović's game well, which is what allegedly attracted Mourinho's attention.
The Yerevan, Armenia native still has one year left in his contract with Dortmund but had been insistent that he wants to leave Germany this summer in favor of Manchester. The Daily Star indicated that "he refused to sign a new one (contract) after setting his heart on a move to Old Trafford and made it clear to the German outfit he wanted to leave".
He got his wish on Wednesday and had some emotional words about it.
"I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me," Mkhitaryan said. "I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time. I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me."
"Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honors my father's memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young," he added.
