Arsenal not taking the Micki
GUNNERS EXPRESS CONCERNS TO UEFA AS MKHITARYAN OPTS OUT OF BAKU FINAL
ARSENAL have written to Uefa to express their ‘deep concerns’ after Henrikh Mkhitaryan opted not to travel to the club’s Europa League final with Chelsea in Baku next week.
The Armenian’s safety was a concern due to the dispute between his homeland and host nation Azerbaijan.
Uefa has insisted a ‘comprehensive security plan’ was in place for Mkhitaryan and the Azeri authorities insisted the player would encounter no issues, but the 30-year-old confirmed yesterday he would not travel.
‘Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel,’ he said.
‘It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often and I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it.’
Arsenal echoed those sentiments in a statement. ‘ We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party,’ it read.
‘We have written to Uefa expressing our deep concerns about this situation. We’re very sad that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career.’
In response, a statement from Uefa read: ‘Working alongside Arsenal, Uefa sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities.
‘As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed. While the club acknowledges the efforts Uefa and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.’ The news is a blow for Gunners boss Unai Emery, who nevertheless said he understood Mkhitaryan’s decision.
‘I discussed this with Mkhitaryan,’ said the Arsenal manager. ‘It’s a very personal decision. He wants to play with the team, but he spoke with his family and decided not to go.
‘It’s bad news but we cannot do anything about these issues. It’s a very, very personal decision and we need to respect him.
‘I don’t understand the political problems but I must respect (his decision).’