Henrikh Mkhitaryan: No issues whatsoever to prevent Arsenal star from travelling to Baku for Europa League final, insists Azerbaijan official

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: No issues whatsoever to prevent Arsenal star from travelling to Baku for Europa League final, insists Azerbaijan official
There are no issues whatsoever to prevent Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan from travelling to Baku for the Europa League final against Chelsea, Azerbaijans UK ambassador has told talkSPORT.Tahir Taghizade insists the Armenia captains personal safety has been guaranteed and has suggested the Gunners star is actually making a political statement by not taking part in the match.Arsenal have confirmed they will be without Mkhitaryan for the all-English European final, with the 30-year-old refusing to travel to Baku over the conflict between his country and host nation Azerbaijan.Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be a big miss for Arsenal in their all-English European final against ChelseaGetty3
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be a big miss for Arsenal in their all-English European final against Chelsea
The same political tensions saw him skip the Gunners clash against Qarabag in Baku earlier this season, while they also prevented him from playing for Borussia Dortmund in a Europa League game against Gabala in northern Azerbaijan in October 2015.UEFA have been heavily criticised for their decision to stage the final in Baku, with Arsenal and Chelsea fans also experiencing issues with travel and acquiring tickets to the match.In a statement, the Gunners said: 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.But Taghizade told talkSPORT on Wednesday that Azerbaijani officials have given the club and player every assurance over his safety.Our reaction? The right word would be disappointment, the ambassador told talkSPORT host Jim White. Obviously thats his decision his, his familys and the clubs but we are disappointed in it.We did our upmost to assure his safety would be guaranteed and the safety of anybody travelling to Baku, as well as the fans, team crews and other players.There is a suggestion Mkhitaryan could be making a personal political statement by not travelling to Baku, rather than having genuine concerns for his safety.Azerbaijan and the midfielders native Armenia remain in conflict and the region of Nagorno-Karabakh which sits within Azerbaijans geographical borders is still disputed between the two neighbouring nations.And Taghizade believes this may be the real reason behind Mkhitaryans choice to stay away from the Azerbaijani capital.Mkhitaryan is the captain of Armenia’s national team and has stayed away from playing in Azerbaijan in recent yearsGetty3
Mkhitaryan is the captain of Armenia’s national team and has stayed away from playing in Azerbaijan in recent years
He said: Do I think he is making a political statement? I am afraid so.Honestly, there is a concern here that what Mkhitaryan has done is not connected to his ethnicity or anything hes doing as a pro footballer, but there is an issue.He has visited Nagorno-Karabakh, an occupied portion of Azerbaijan, at least once and that was an unsanctioned visit.“Those people are usually black-listed in Azerbaijan, which means they are not able to get a visa or travel to Azerbaijan.But in this case, Mkhitaryans case has been settled and there is no issue whatsoever.“There is absolutely no problem for Azerbaijan to receive Mkhitaryan and to provide for his physical safety and security. His physical safety is assured by every word I say.The 30-year-old has continued to train with the Arsenal squad ahead of the final but, for the time being, will not travel to Bakugetty3
The 30-year-old has continued to train with the Arsenal squad ahead of the final but, for the time being, will not travel to Baku
Its ultimately his decision, but if we are looking for reasons to justify a decision that maybe longer in the making, thats something different.Taghizade has also insisted he is ready and willing to talk to Arsenal and Mkhitaryan personally to allay their fears for safety and encourage the Gunners star to travel for the cup final.Absolutely I would talk to them, at any moment, he added.If there is any contact I would be delighted to do that. If there is any chance of alleviating his concerns and doubts that are overshadowing his decision making, I would be delighted.I think this will be a great celebration of a great game. I have no dog in this fight because I am neither a fan of Chelsea nor Arsenal, but it will be a great celebration and I think his participation can only make it shine brighter.

Listen back to talkSPORTs interview with Azerbaijans UK ambassador Tahir Taghizade IN FULL above



Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron’s wage demands are halting his move to Newcastle
Arsenal news: First team players to donate day's salary to

How the petition looked at 12:45pm on Saturday

Man Utd Premier League fixtures 2019/20: Solskjaer's men face tough December with Spurs and Man City kicking off month also take on Arsenal on New Year's Day to conclude the busy Christmas
Premier League and Championship commentaries on talkSPORT and
sportsalert.org/2018/12/23/premier-league-and-championship-commentaries-on-talksport-and-talksport-2/
talkSPORT is the home of football over the festive period with nine LIVE match commentaries being brought to you throughout the most wonderful time of year. Full Premier League and Championship commentaries are shared across the talkSPORT network, while the excellent Matchday Live will keep you across the remaining fixtures this weekend, on
SIGNED UP! Kyle Bartley agrees new - listen.talksport.com

Sam Allardyce turned around Everton’s form when he took charge, but it wasn’t enough to keep his job

Manchester United have failed to progress since I was manager, David Moyes tells talkSPORT The Red Devils have had three managers and spent millions since Moyes' sacking - and yet are no closer to
Manchester United have failed to progress since I was manager

Real Madrid have been tracking Eden Hazard for years

An underwater search for footballer Emiliano Sala's plane will take place after cushions were found on a beach. They were discovered near Surtainville on France's Cotentin Peninsula, on Monday, by
Emiliano Sala missing plane: Two seat cushions found on

Jose Mourinho was sacked by United in December

Tottenham vs Liverpool: London Stansted Airport wishes Spurs fans good luck in Champions League Final with departure board messages Stansted Airport has made it clear who their allegiance is with when it comes to this Saturday's Champions League final. Liverpool and Tottenham go
#COYS! Stansted Airport wish Tottenham luck in Champions

Romelu Lukaku has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Gary Neville believes there will be another slip-up in the Premier League as Manchester City and Liverpool battle it out for the title. Liverpool moved back to the league with a convincing 5-0 win
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola sends message ahead of

Chelsea have been untroubled in the Europa League this season

ROBERTO FIRMINO is FIT for the Champions League final against Tottenham - but his Liverpool team-mate Naby Keita is ruled out. Firmino has been absent in the side since May 1 when Liverpool lost 3
Champions League final 2019: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino

Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with an incredible 602 goals

Lucas Torreira: Only one midfielder in Europe stronger than new Arsenal signing says former coach. Uruguayan joined the Gunners for £26.4million earlier this month and is set to bring some much

Alisson has been a sensational signing for the Reds

Saudi prince set to hold Manchester United talks over investment deal and £3bn takeover takeover from Saudi Arabia. Well-placed sources believe Crown Prince could be set to launch Man
Manchester United 'lined up for takeover bid' by Saudi crown

Manchester United’s players gave Jose Mourinho a much-needed win

Guardiola dismisses Klopp claim of Man City having 'no weaknesses' Pep Guardiola has rejected Jurgen Klopp's observation that his Manchester City side are showing "no sign of weakness" in the
Football news - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola dismisses

These three Premier League stars made the Team of the Week

Darrell Clarke spent four and a half years as Bristol Rovers boss before leaving in December 2018. Walsall have appointed former Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke as their new manager on a three
Next Bristol Rovers Manager Betting - thesackrace.com

Steven Gerrard is one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players

Follow Tuesday's transfer news and rumours live, as Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona remain the talk of the rumour mill, with the international window opening today, on June 11.
Transfer news and football gossip: Liverpool target £35m
hollywoodadviser.com/transfer-news-and-football-gossip-liverpool-target-35m-striker-arsenal-eye-celtic-defender-gareth-bale-blow-for-real-madrid/
Here's a round up all the latest transfer news and football gossip from Monday's newspapers and online… Luis Suarez has told former club Liverpool to sign fellow Uruguayan Maxi Gomez, and the club are now reportedly readying a £35m bid for the 22-year-old Celta Vigo striker.
Transfer news and football gossip: Liverpool target £35m
desksportsnews.com/transfer-news-and-football-gossip-liverpool-target-35m-striker-arsenal-eye-celtic-defender-gareth-bale-blow-for-real-madrid/
Transfer news and football gossip: Liverpool target £35m striker, Arsenal eye Celtic defender, Gareth Bale blow for Real Madrid March 4, 2019 March 4, 2019 0 Here's a round up all the latest transfer news and football gossip from Monday's newspapers and online…
Transfer news live: Arsenal could beat Man United to target

Ozil has struggled at times this season

Jürgen Klopp revealed tactical adjustments at half-time were the catalyst for Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor. After a goalless opening 45 minutes in the Premier League contest, the visitors actually fell behind to Jack Cork's breakthrough. But James Milner quickly levelled
Burnley vs Liverpool 1-3 Post Match Analysis - trend24h.net

No comments:

Post a Comment