Inter Milan Star Rekindles Manchester United Era: A Football Phenomenon Chasing Career High Records

Ahead of Inter Milan's crucial clash with Fiorentina, Gazzetta dello Sport editor Zazzaroni made a bold prediction: Inter Milan will undoubtedly drop points. This statement comes from a veteran journalist known for his shrewd analysis and distinctive reporting style. For years, Zazzaroni has approached Inter Milan's coverage with a dual lens: when they win, he discusses their finances; when they lose, he delves into their football. His stance on Juventus, however, is always supportive, praising them at every opportunity.

As Inter Milan prepares for a tough schedule, Zazzaroni's outburst reflects the sentiment among some in Italy who are not eager to see Inter clinch the title. Juventus dropped points before Inter's game against Fiorentina even started, prompting Zazzaroni to shift his focus to criticizing the referees, claiming bias against Juventus. This reaction underscores the pressure and scrutiny Inter faces as they vie for the Serie A crown.

Inter Milan's Battle with Fiorentina: Challenges and Changes

Inter Milan's recent form has been commendable, including a successful Italian Super Cup campaign. However, their preparation for the Fiorentina match has been fraught with challenges. Injuries and suspensions have complicated their squad selection, with key players like Çalhanoğlu and Barella sidelined. Sky Italia reported further complications during pre-match training, with Di Marco experiencing physical issues, potentially leading to Augusto starting in his place. This disruption might force Bastoni, not fully fit, to take the field, highlighting the cascading effects of these setbacks.

As the season progresses into its latter stages, fatigue accumulates, and injuries become more common. Inter's situation, while challenging, is not unique. AC Milan, for example, has frequently dealt with missing 6-8 players recently. The Italian media has pointed out that with key absences, Mkhitaryan's value to the team has become increasingly significant.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: A Journey of Resurgence

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, at 35, is on the verge of matching a personal career record set seven years ago: providing assists in three consecutive league games. In recent matches against Verona and Monza, Mkhitaryan has been instrumental, showcasing his playmaking abilities. The last time he achieved this feat was in August 2017 with Manchester United, assisting in games against West Ham, Swansea, and Leicester City. At that time, Mkhitaryan was in the peak of his career, valued at €37 million and at the prime age of 28.

Now, as an experienced veteran, Mkhitaryan is defying the conventional expectations of aging athletes. His current role at Inter sees him operating more as a midfielder or even a defensive midfielder, a stark contrast to his earlier years as a winger or forward. Remarkably, his efficiency has improved. In Serie A, he has played 10,389 minutes, scoring 32 goals and providing 31 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 164.9 minutes, better than his 178.9 minutes per involvement during his Premier League stint.

Mkhitaryan's Record-Breaking Potential

Having recently renewed his contract with Inter, Mkhitaryan expressed that he is currently enjoying his time at the club more than at any of his previous teams, including Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Manchester United, Roma, and Shakhtar Donetsk. He attributes his solid performance to his mindset of cherishing every minute on the pitch, knowing that retirement looms on the horizon. This appreciation for the present moment has driven him to perform at a high level consistently.

Despite his contentment, Mkhitaryan harbors two significant regrets. Firstly, missing the Champions League final last season due to injury, despite his crucial contributions in the group stage and semifinals, remains a painful memory. Secondly, he feels that his goal-scoring tally at Inter is lacking. Having scored 137 goals and provided 110 assists in his career, his seven goals for Inter (five in Serie A and two in the Champions League) seem insufficient to him. He believes that with better finishing, his stats could be even more impressive.

Inter Milan's Crucial Moment

Inter Milan's upcoming fixtures are critical. The media has emphasized that without key players like Çalhanoğlu and Barella, Mkhitaryan's role becomes even more pivotal. As a seasoned professional, his leadership and creativity on the pitch can provide the stability and ingenuity Inter needs to navigate this challenging period.

Mkhitaryan's Inspirational Journey

Mkhitaryan's journey is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. From being a prolific attacker in his younger days to becoming a central figure in midfield, his ability to reinvent himself and maintain high performance levels is commendable. His story is one of "reverse aging" in football, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, players can continue to excel well into their 30s.

Journalists frequently ask Mkhitaryan if he is currently at the best stage of his career. His response is modest, acknowledging that he is performing well but believes there is always room for improvement. This humble yet determined attitude has been the cornerstone of his enduring success.

Mkhitaryan's current form and contributions are not just about numbers; they reflect his commitment and passion for the game. As he chases the record for consecutive assists and strives to improve his goal-scoring tally, he exemplifies the spirit of continuous growth and excellence.

Inter Milan's injury setbacks may pose challenges, but they also present opportunities for Mkhitaryan to further showcase his leadership and skill. As he aims to break his personal records and lead his team to victory, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this football phenomenon continues to defy expectations and write new chapters in his illustrious career.