Inter Milan Veteran Midfielder Rolls Back The Years: “Feel Like I’m Back At My Best” | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfield stalwart Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shown this season that age is only a number in his case.

Speaking to the press ahead of Thursday’s game against Atalanta via FCInterNews, the 35-year-old confirmed he’s back at his best.

Mkhitaryan joined the Nerazzurri from Roma in 2022 on a Bosman deal.

Despite completing the switch late in his career, the Armenian star has been indispensable at Giuseppe Meazza.

After helping the club win their 20th Scudetto last term, Mkhitaryan’s form suffered a slight drop earlier this season.

However, he has recently returned to be the best version of himself.

Though Simone Inzaghi has Davide Frattesi and Piotr Zielinski as backup options, Mkhitaryan remains his first choice.

Indeed, the ex-Manchester United ace has been omnipresent in the Inter engine room alongside Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu.

They’ll likely be the driving force of Inzaghi’s team in tomorrow’s Supercoppa Italiana semi-final tie against Atalanta.

Inter Milan Star Henrikh Mkhitaryan Rolls Back the Years

“Early in the season I wasn’t at my peak, but with time, I’ve returned to my best,” he claimed.

“The competition from Frattesi and Zielinski has pushed me to improve.

“I don’t focus on my age; instead, I’m grateful for how they challenge me daily to show my qualities and earn my place.

“We all want to play, but we’re here to support each other and give our best to win.

“Whether starting or coming off the bench, we’re all committed to helping the team succeed.”

Inter are back in Riyadh, where they’ve won the Super Cup title twice.

Asked whether he feels at home in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Mkhitaryan said: “Yes, this is our third time playing here in Riyadh, and we’ve won both previous matches.

“We hope to repeat that success.

“We’re aware of Atalanta’s strength, but I hope our fans will help us feel at home and secure a victory.”

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Aware of Atalanta Threat & Encourages Frattesi

“Tomorrow’s match will be very important,” he continued.

“Atalanta is playing very well, but we’ll focus on our own game and do what’s needed to win.

“Winning the Supercoppa matters to us, and we’ll give our all to achieve victory.”

Inter thrashed Atalanta 4-0 in late August.

However, the Armenian veteran calls for caution.

“That match was four months ago, and both teams have changed since then.

“They’ve had a strong winning streak, and we’ve also shown top form, similar to last season.

“It will be a tough match, but we hope to play at our best.”

Meanwhile, he praised Frattesi, who’s recently found it difficult to make Inzaghi’s starting XI.

“Frattesi is a fantastic player and teammate. My advice to him is to keep working hard,” Mkhitaryan stated.

“His dedication during training and matches is evident.

“The coach decides if he starts or comes on later, but I’m confident he’ll play a big role for Inter in the future.”

Finally, he reiterated his happiness at Meazza while dropping a hint at a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

“I’ve been following it a little, mostly because many former teammates and friends are playing here.

“I have a contract with Inter, and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.

“For now, I’m happy to be at Inter.”