Henrikh Mkhitaryan has admitted that Arsene Wenger’s ability to develop young talent drove the Armenia international to become an Arsenal fan.
The Gunners signed the 29-year-old playmaker in a swap deal from Manchester United that saw Alexis Sanchez complete a move to Old Trafford.
Mkhitaryan spent 18 months at Old Trafford but the playmaker struggled to have an impact following his £30m move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund.
The Armenia international was frozen out of the team over the past few months to result in his transfer to the north London club.
Mkhitaryan ousted himself as a lifelong Arsenal supporter upon his move to the Emirates Stadium.
The January signing revealed that Wenger’s style of play and ability to develop young talent convinced Mkhitaryan to support Arsenal.
“Yes, I’ve been watching many times Arsenal games in the past and of course I was following the team playing in the Premier League and Champions League,” Mkhitaryan told ESPN.
“Also Arsene Wenger, how he was treating and working with the young talent. I don’t know why but that was the drive and small details that changed myself to saying I have to support Arsenal. I’m very happy to here and it’s a dream come true.”
The Gunners playmaker made three assists in his full debut at the Emirates Stadium in a 5-1 victory over Everton earlier this month.
Arsenal are in sixth place in the Premier League table and eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea FC.
The Gunners will take on Premier League leaders Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
Wenger’s side haven’t won the Premier League title since 2004.