Mkhitaryan: "Happy to get going again, I try to act as an example for the young players."
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After beating Manchester City, Inter travelled to Perth, where the Nerazzurri will play both AC Milan and Juventus. Henrikh Mkhitaryan spoke to Inter TV and the local media ahead of the matches. Here's what he had to say.
Henrikh, you've enjoyed a long career and you're still performing at the highest level. How are you feeling and what does it mean to still be playing at this level?
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"This is my 20th season as a professional, and I'm obviously very happy. It means a lot to me. It tells me that maybe I've done everything the right way throughout my career. That's why I've been able to play for so long, and I'm really happy about that."
There are a lot of young players around you who can learn from your experience. How important is your role in helping them develop, especially on a trip like this where you spend so much time together and face high-level opponents?
"At the start of pre-season, more than half of the squad was made up of young players. I try to set an example for them. I try to do everything the right way, the things I know how to do, and show them aspects of the game they can learn from and follow. Of course, it's up to them whether they want to learn or not, but I always try to give my best for the team. Now I'm the oldest player in the squad, and that means a lot. It means I have a responsibility to help them. That's what I try to do, both on and off the pitch. I try to give them advice, but in the end it's up to them whether they want to take it on board. We're a team, we're a family, and we have to achieve our objectives together."
Is this your first time in Australia?
"Yes, it's my first time in Australia, and in Perth in particular. It's a beautiful place. I haven't had the chance to see much yet, but we've still got time."
You've travelled a long way to get here. After facing Manchester City in Hong Kong, you now have matches against AC Milan and Juventus. How important are games like these at this stage of pre-season, with a long Serie A and Champions League campaign ahead?
"These matches are all part of our preparation for the new season. We played against Manchester City and now we've got Juventus and AC Milan. We'll keep working hard, focusing on the areas where we need to improve, and then we'll play these two games. Obviously the results themselves aren't what matters - they're preparation matches. But of course we'll still try to win both of them and make sure we're ready when the season begins."
As the reigning Serie A champions, does that change your approach? Is defending the title even harder, knowing every team will be extra motivated against you?
"Right now we're not thinking about defending the title. Our focus is on being ready and proving that we deserved to win it last season. Of course, what we achieved will give us great motivation and confidence to try and do it again this year."
During your time at Roma, you played alongside Australian talent Cristian Volpato. What do you remember about him?
"Yes, I remember him well. He came through the youth academy and I was really impressed by his qualities. Then our paths went in different directions - I joined Inter and he moved to Sassuolo. He's a big talent and a very good player. He showed that again last season with Sassuolo, scoring goals and helping the team achieve its objectives."
Does the career he's had surprise you? After a long wait he chose to represent Australia and went on to play at the World Cup. He's the type of technical player Australia doesn't often produce. How much has he had to fight to establish himself in Italy?
"That's entirely thanks to his own work; he has to build his own path and write his own story. I can't say whether it was difficult or easy because it all depends on his approach. I didn't watch many World Cup matches because I was on holiday. I wanted to enjoy my time off and switch off from football. You can't spend all your time watching football - sometimes you need to clear your mind, recharge your batteries and then start again."
AUSTRALIA: PERTH
The Nerazzurri's tour now moves on to Australia, where Inter will play for the very first time. The Champions of Italy will be involved in two friendlies as part of a tournament celebrating Italian clubs, offering a taste of the season to come.
Inter will take to the pitch in Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia, facing AC Milan and Juventus at the Optus Stadium, the city's premier sporting venue.
The first fixture will be the derby against AC Milan onWednesday 5 August at 19:00 local time (13:00 CEST).
Three days later, on Saturday 8 August, Inter will take on Juventus at the same kick-off time.