Henrikh Mkhitaryan is contemplating retirement from professional football, with a decision expected after Inter Milan’s Coppa Italia final, according to reports in Italy. The 35-year-old Armenian international indicated his reflections on his future following Inter’s Serie A match against Lazio on Sunday, stating he has had “a grand career” and is “happy to have played football.”
Mkhitaryan’s current contract with Inter is set to expire on June 30th, leaving his future at the club uncertain. While no official announcement has been made, the player’s recent comments, phrased in the past tense, suggest he is leaning towards retirement. He scored in consecutive Serie A games against Parma and Lazio, demonstrating he remains a capable contributor.
The potential departure aligns with Inter’s broader transfer strategy under new ownership, Oaktree. The club is reportedly shifting towards a younger squad, and offering a contract extension to a player nearing 38 years of age in January would go against this approach. Mkhitaryan joined Inter in 2022, becoming a valuable squad player and contributing to their Serie A title win.
Before joining Inter, Mkhitaryan enjoyed a successful career with clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal. He has 95 caps for Armenia, and is the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer. He played a key role in Dortmund's Bundesliga title challenge and featured prominently in Arsenal’s Europa League campaigns. Mkhitaryan is in contention to start in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Juventus, a match that could prove to be his final professional appearance. A win would provide a fitting end to a distinguished career.
