At 37 years old, Henrikh Mkhitaryan surprises Europe by renewing his contract with Inter Milan until the end of the 2026/27 season, defying all expectations that pointed to a potential departure for the experienced Armenian midfielder. At a time when four key figures from the squad are bidding farewell to San Siro, Mkhitaryan reaffirms his value and importance in the strategy of the Italian champions, securing his place in one of the most feared teams on the Old Continent.
Inter officially announced on Wednesday the extension of Mkhitaryan's contract, just days before his previous deal was set to expire on June 30. The midfielder, who has previously played for giants such as Arsenal and Manchester United, accepted a substantial pay cut: he will now earn around 2 million euros annually, 1.8 million less than in his previous agreement. This decision comes on the same day that the Nerazzurri confirmed the departures of Yann Sommer, Stefan De Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Matteo Darmian, all of whom were key defensive pillars that contributed to the club's recent successes.
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The renewal of the Armenian international takes on even greater significance considering the context of change within the squad of Inter. Last season, Mkhitaryan participated in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists, impressive numbers for a midfielder nearing four decades of age. His performance and experience are seen as crucial to ensuring stability and leadership in a team preparing for a new wave of talent and potential departures during the summer transfer market.
The importance of this renewal is not limited to its sporting impact. Inter is undergoing a restructuring phase, with several key players leaving the club. The retention of Mkhitaryan represents an anchor of experience and charisma in a locker room that will need role models to guide the younger players and integrate new signings. Furthermore, the Armenian's decision to accept a lower salary demonstrates his commitment to the sporting project and his ambition to continue fighting for titles at the highest level.
In recent statements, Mkhitaryan expressed his enthusiasm: “Inter has become my home. I feel more motivated than ever and I believe I can still contribute a lot to the team. This renewal is a vote of confidence and I will deliver on the pitch,” said the player, on the sidelines of signing the new contract. Coach Simone Inzaghi, for his part, did not hide his satisfaction: “Henrikh is an example of professionalism. His experience is vital for the group, especially at a transitional time like this,” the coach declared at a press conference.
Inter now boasts a midfield that also includes names like Nicolò Barella, Petar Sucic, Piotr Zielinski, and Andy Diouf, while still retaining Davide Frattesi and Aleksandar Stankovic, although the latter two may leave the club during this transfer window. The decision to keep Mkhitaryan indicates that, despite the renewal of the squad, the nerazzurri do not forgo the experience and tactical rigor that the Armenian provides.
The immediate future of Inter thus hinges on finding the right balance between youth and experience, at a time when the club is once again being pointed out as a favorite to win the Serie A and for an ambitious campaign in the Champions League. Mkhitaryan's commitment until 2027 makes it clear that, even in the face of the inevitable passage of time, there are players whose influence transcends age. It remains to be seen how the team will be reconfigured after the announced departures and whether the Armenian midfielder will be able to maintain the level of excellence that has accustomed the fans at San Siro. The stage is set for another season of intense emotions and high expectations in the fashion capital of Italy.
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