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After his highly publicized official move to the German soccer club Borussia Dortmund, the midfielder of the Armenian National Football team, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, held his first interview with the Football Federation of Armenia, according to Asbarez.com. 

FOOTBALL FEDERATION OF ARMENIA: Henrikh, congratulations on your move to Borussia Dortmund. Today, when everything is finished, can you tell us about your transfer story?

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN: Thank you for the congratulations. I would like to thank everyone for showing so much interest in my transfer. As I promised, I’m giving my first interview after signing with Borussia Dortmund to the FFA. I also promised that I would tell the story about my move myself when everything was officially completed.

When I was in Yerevan, waiting for negotiations between the two clubs to end, I heard a lot of rumors, which were useful for the media, but not for me. That`s why I tried to avoid comments from various people until the negotiations were finished.

As a professional football player, I had to follow the rules of the game; the negotiations were under way and I had to wait for them to finish. Now I am officially a Borussia Dortmund player.

FFA: When did you leave for Dortmund?

HM: I left from Yerevan to Vienna on the morning of the 8th of July and then to Düsseldorf from there. From there, representatives from Borussia Dortmund met me and we went to Dortmund.

FFA: When did your presentation to the team take place?

HM: My presentation took place on Monday, on the 8th of July. Borussia played against Magdeburg the day before, so Monday was a free day. The photoshoot with the newcomers also took place that day.

Everything is now settled and the contract is signed. I will be wearing the No. 10 jersey. The atmosphere at the club is very good, everybody received me very warmly and I am very glad of that.

FFA: Was it yours or the club’s decision to give you the number 10?

HM: It was my choice. I hesitated between No. 22 – which has become dear to me and my fans – and No. 10, but finally decided on 10 in the end.

FFA: You played against Borussia Dortmund last season. Are you familiar with anybody there?

HM: No, but I’ve already gotten acquainted with all the players.

FFA: Have you discussed with Jurgen Klopp about your role in the team?

HM: Not yet. I start training with the squad today.

FFA: Was Borussia Dortmund your choice?

HM: Yes, absolutely. This is a very important step in my life. I chose Borussia because it`s a very strong team, with good players and a great coach. Borussia Dortmund fans create a great atmosphere in the stadium. I hope to make them happy and to win in every game.

FFA: Will you live on the club’s campus as it was at Shakhtar?

HM: No, the club will give me an apartment.

FFA: What are your feelings leaving Shakhtar?

HM: I want to thank FC Shakhtar, the president of the club, my teammates and all the coaches – especially Mircea Lucescu – and all the fans, who helped me a lot during the years. Without their help I would not have what I have now. I would also like to thank the people who helped complete my move to Borussia Dortmund. I will try to make them proud of me.