Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian are currently experiencing a remarkable renaissance with Inter Milan, both in Serie A and on the grand stage of the UEFA Champions League. After departing from Manchester United under very different circumstances, the two veterans have revitalized their careers in Italy, proving that resilience and persistence can bring glory in unexpected places.
This season, both players have become crucial cogs in Inter Milan’s campaign, which has taken them all the way to the Champions League final. The Nerazzurri will face Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a thrilling climax in Munich on June 1, 2025.
Champions League Heroes
Inter’s path to the final was anything but smooth. In the semifinals, they faced Spanish giants Barcelona in an electrifying two-legged tie that ended with an astonishing aggregate score of 7-6. The second leg, held at the San Siro, went into extra time before Inter finally emerged victorious with a dramatic 4-3 win.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan featured in almost every Champions League fixture this season, providing leadership, tactical discipline, and an occasional goal. Meanwhile, Matteo Darmian was called into action from the first leg of the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility when it mattered most. Both players have demonstrated that their careers are far from over, despite their earlier exits from English football.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Departure: Seeking Purpose Beyond Old Trafford
Mkhitaryan’s departure from Manchester United in January 2018 marked a turning point in his career. He moved to Arsenal in a high-profile swap deal that sent Alexis Sanchez the other way. Though he managed to score nine goals in 59 appearances for the Gunners, it was evident that the Armenian maestro was still searching for a team that would fully utilize his creative spark.
He later transferred to AS Roma, where his career saw steady growth, before ultimately finding his footing with Inter Milan. In a 2018 interview with ESPN Brasil, Mkhitaryan revealed the real reason behind his decision to leave Manchester United.
“Things weren’t working out the way I had hoped at United. I needed a new challenge and a fresh environment,” he said.
He also acknowledged the urgency of maximizing the remainder of his playing years.
“I wanted to play more, and to leave a bigger legacy before hanging up my boots.”
Now, at Inter, Mkhitaryan has carved out a vital role in the squad. His experience and intelligence on the pitch have made him indispensable in Simone Inzaghi’s setup.
Darmian’s Italian Comeback and International Revival
Matteo Darmian’s exit from Old Trafford came in the summer of 2019, driven by his desire to return to the Italian national team. He chose to sign with Parma, viewing the move as a chance to rebuild his reputation and form on home soil.
Though his performances at Parma were solid, it was his 2020 switch to Inter Milan that truly reignited his career. After several consistent seasons under Inzaghi’s guidance, Darmian was finally recalled to the Azzurri squad in 2023—marking a significant personal triumph after years in the international wilderness.
In a heartfelt 2019 statement upon his return to Italy, Darmian expressed hope that his move would reignite his international career.
“Coming back to Italy was a big decision, but I felt it was necessary. I wanted to fight for a spot in the national team again, and this was the best path.”
Today, he stands as one of Inter’s most reliable defensive options, balancing tenacity with tactical acumen. His contributions in high-pressure matches, particularly in Europe, have been critical to Inter’s journey to the final.
The Road Ahead: Writing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Darmian Legacy
As Inter Milan prepares to face PSG in the Champions League final, both Mkhitaryan and Darmian are on the verge of the most significant achievement of their careers. For two players who were once seen as surplus to requirements in the Premier League, this resurgence in Italy is nothing short of inspiring.
Should Inter lift the trophy in Munich, it will not only mark a historic moment for the club but also serve as a testament to the perseverance and evolution of two seasoned professionals who refused to let their careers fade quietly.
Their stories are a reminder that football is a long game, and sometimes, the best chapters are written long after others have turned the page.
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