Mkhitaryan: He wanted to win the UEFA Cup even if he went to the toilet. He rejected Lazio because he didn’t want to betray Roma fans.

On October 9th, Mkhitaryan published his personal autobiography "My Life, Always in the Midfield". In the book, the former Roma midfielder told a behind-the-scenes story about when he and Mourinho won the UEFA Cup in Tirana in 2022, and how he rejected the contract of city rival Lazio for Roma fans.

■About the eve of the UEFA Cup final

Mkhitaryan said: "We often encourage each other in the dressing room of the Roma training base and say: 'We are going to win a European championship!' Before the final, Mourinho had the entire training center covered with photos of the trophy, with the words in capital letters: 'We must win!' They Everywhere - locker rooms, corridors, dormitories, kitchens, bathrooms. We think about victory when we change clothes; we think about victory when we walk; we think about victory before going to bed; we think about victory even when we smell the smell of food. "

■ Mkhitaryan was injured at the time, but still asked to play. Mourinho agreed. He fell to the ground again and was injured during the game and was forced to be substituted. In the end, Roma won their first and only trophy since 2008.

Mkhitaryan said: "We couldn't lose that game. Our fans were so great, as if the whole of Rome had moved into the stadium in Tirana. That is our home. The moment the final whistle sounded, Mourinho and I hugged each other tightly, it was sincere And affectionate hug. We won another championship. For Roma fans, it was an unforgettable moment."

■ What was even more touching was Mkhitaryan's subsequent rejection of Lazio.

At that time, Lazio Chairman Lotito's son Enrico lived in the same building as Mkhitaryan and personally conveyed a generous offer to his father: a three-year contract with a one-year option and the option to terminate the contract freely after two years.

Mkhitaryan's answer was: "I can't. When he talks to me about Lazio, all I think about is Roma, those people, those flags, the singing in the South Stand, the chorus on the pitch, the little kids waving in the stands. It's impossible for me to betray them in that way. I really love those fans, and they deserve all my respect."