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Henrikh Mkhitaryan: I will need the knowledge of Portuguese

09-09-10 17:35:37

Today, on September 9, at the Italian Courtyard of Kirsha Training Camp the latest Shakhtar’s newcomer - Henrikh Mkhitaryan, was officially presented to the journalists.

Firstly, Shakhtar’s head coach Mircea Lucescu solemnly handed the player of Armenia national team the orange and black shirt with number 22. And after photographers shot a sufficient number of photos, Henrikh began to answer the media representatives’ questions.

- Henrikh, you chose a shirt with your lucky number - 22. You played with this number both at Pyunik and at Metalurh Donetsk. And what would have happened if this number had not been available at Shakhtar? Had you had a backup plan for that kind of situation?
- Actually, no, but I would have chosen another one. While sealing a deal with Shakhtar, I had a question what number I would play with - I was told that number 22 was free and I could take it.

- Whom do you see as the main competitor for a place in the first team?
- Everyone knows that my competitor is Jadson. My competition with him will only benefit not only for the team but for me either. It is important to compete with such a good football player as Jadson is.

- Are you physically and mentally ready to play against Obolon?
- I think so!

- You quickly became a leader at Metalurh. After some time, do you feel ready to become a leader at Shakhtar?
- Everything depends on me and how I will work on trainings. First, I must become a team regular in order to try to become a team leader then.

- As far as we know, you know Portuguese a little. Have you studied and learned it at Metalurh or is it just now when you are going to take it more profoundly?
- Yes, I even used it while being at Metallurh. There were the Portuguese and I spoke to them in Portuguese.

- Did you understand each other?
- Actually, yes. We did.

- And now, whom do you most often communicate with?
- So far, I have not spoken to lads much but I think that I will need language skills in communication with the Brazilian.