Henrikh Mkhitaryan has trolled Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho again, reiterating that his move to Arsenal was driven by a desire to play “offensive” football.
The Armenian midfielder brought a frustrating spell at Old Trafford to a close during the January transfer window when he completed a switch to Emirates Stadium.
Having slipped in and out of the United side under Mourinho, Mkhitaryan linked up with a Premier League rival as part of a deal which saw Alexis Sanchez go in the opposite direction.
The 29-year-old is loving life under Arsene Wenger in north London, with regular game time and a prominent role in an attack-minded team allowing him to play to his strengths.
Mkhitaryan told FourFourTwo on his winter trade: “When I heard I could swap Man United for Arsenal, I said, ‘Yes, I want to do that’, I didn’t think twice. It’s important for me to play in an offensive team.
“I couldn’t have imagined a better start. I'd missed playing offensively.”
Arsenal asked about Mkhitaryan once it became clear that contract rebel Alexis would be heading for the exits, but another creative influence insists he has not be acquired to fill the Chilean’s boots.
He added: “I joined Arsenal because Wenger wanted me, not because he wanted to replace Sanchez.
“We are different players and characters, with different abilities and skills, so I'll try my best to do everything for the club.”
Mkhitaryan has helped Arsenal through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League during his short time with the club.
That competition looks like offering the Gunners their best route into Champions League football for 2018-19, with CSKA Moscow providing the next obstacle for them to overcome.
Mkhitaryan is determined to help Wenger’s side to get their hands on silverware, with there a desire on his part to etch his name into Arsenal folklore.
He added: “I want to write my name into Arsenal’s history and have my name as a legend here.
“I want to score goals, make assists and win trophies to make the fans happy.”
The classy playmaker has contributed two goals and five assists so far, with there the promise of plenty more to come from a proven performer.