HENRIKH MKHITARYAN has retired from international football aged 33.
The Armenian earned 95 caps and scored 32 goals during an impressive 15-year national team career.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has retired from international football
Mkhitaryan had captained his nation since 2015, but has decided to call it a day having last played for them in a 4-1 defeat to Germany back in November.
In an emotional Instagram post, the former Manchester United and Arsenal ace wrote: “Dear Friends, I remember when I first put on my National Team jersey, this was in a friendly against Panama, and my first goal for my nation, in a World Cup qualifier against Estonia.
“I wanted to win every step of my career, no matter how difficult that would be.
“It was an honour to play for my nation for the past 15 years and even more so of an honour to captain it for the last 6 years.
“After 95 international caps, hard work, passion and unprecedented ups and downs along the journey representing my country on the field, I have taken the decision to retire from my international career with the Armenian National Team.
“I came to this decision after my last game against Germany in November. I think it is the right time. I’ve given everything I can possibly give to my National Team.
“For the coming years I will therefore be fully focused on my club career.
“My soccer nest was woven in Armenia, my homeland, and I will forever be grateful to every single person who supported me, who coached 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 side this season – scoring three goals and laying on seven assists in 32 appearances.
Mkhitaryan’s international retirement could be a boost to Scotland – who face Armenia in the Nations League in June.
Mkhitaryan, 33, will now focus solely on his club career
