Manchester United signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed how he is driven by the premature loss of his father.
A former Armenia international, Hamlet Mkhitaryan died of a brain tumour in 1996, aged 33, and with his son Henrikh just seven.
Henrikh joined United from Borussia Dortmund in July in a deal worth a reported £26million and is expected to star for Jose Mourinho's men.
"He was my drive, so he was my motivation because when I was young he was playing football professionally and I was always dreaming to go with him to the training ground," Mkhitaryan said.
"It was my dream to continue his work and to also be a football player.
"He was 33 years old, I was seven years old at the time so, yes, it is a pity but that's life. The life continues and I hope he is proud looking at me from the sky so I try to do everything to make him proud."
"I would watch footage of him playing many times when I was young but football has changed a lot so if I watch now it’s just to remember the way he played," he said.
"It's sad because I think he could have helped me with his words and his support. I think on one side, yes [I grew up faster] but on the other, no, because it is very difficult when you grow up without a father because in the family you don't have a real man who can give you direction, discipline."
