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HENRIKH MKHITARYAN retired from international football at the age of 33.
The Armenian made 95 appearances and scored 32 goals during an impressive 15-year career with the national team.
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Mkhitaryan had captained his nation since 2015 but chose to end the day having last played for them in a 4-1 loss to Germany in November.
In an emotional post on Instagram, the former Manchester United and Arsenal ace wrote: “Dear friends, I remember when I first put on the National Team shirt, this was in a friendly against Panama, and my first goal for my nation. in a World Cup.” Cup tie against Estonia.
“I wanted to win every step of my career, no matter how difficult it was.
“It was an honor to play for my nation for the last 15 years and even more an honor to be their captain for the last 6 years.
“After 95 caps, hard work, passion and unprecedented ups and downs throughout the journey representing my country on the pitch, I have made the decision to retire from my international career with the Armenian National Team.
“I made this decision after my last game against Germany in November. I think it’s the right time. I’ve given everything I could to my team.
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“For the next few years, therefore, I will be fully focused on my club career.
“My football nest was woven in Armenia, my homeland, and I will always be grateful to every person who supported me, trained me, who I played with and who contributed to my growth as a footballer and as a person.
“Good luck to my National Team!”
Mkhitaryan will now focus on his club career with current team AS Roma.
He has been a regular for the Serie A team this season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 32 appearances.
Mkhitaryan’s international retirement could be a boost for Scotland, which face Armenia in the Nations League in June.
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