Monday, 1st July, 2013

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu has warned Henrik Mkhitaryan that he is making a mistake leaving the Donbass Arena and should appreciate playing for a side which always fights for the title and turns out in the Champions League.

Mkhitaryan is believed to be on his way to English giants Liverpool, who are thought to have agreed a fee of €30m to sign the Armenian midfielder; indeed, it could be just a matter of days until Mkhitaryan is a Reds player.



Mkhitaryan failed to report for pre-season training with Shakhtar Donetsk recently and Lucescu is disappointed that the club’s leading league scorer from last season could be on the way out.

In fact, the veteran Romanian tactician has issued a warning to the midfielder, who has also interested Anzhi Makhachkala, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur, telling him he is making a mistake and leaving the door open for his return.

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"I do not want to make a comment", Lucescu said via Terrikon after Shakhtar Donetsk’s 0-0 friendly draw against Spartak Moscow.

"It is his decision, his desire.

"I think he is making a big mistake.

"Shakhtar are a strong club and behind you there are always 50,000 fans who will support you.

"You play for a team which is fighting for the championship each year and for the cup, and in the Champions League – he has to appreciate it.

"The whole team helped him to get into the penalty area and score. My wish, is that he is still very well thought of. There is still time."

Indeed, if Mkhitaryan chose to return to the Donbass Arena to join his team-mates in pre-season training, Lucescu insists he would be welcomed with open arms.

"I just encourage him to return to the team and get to work. Nothing has happened between him and the management, between him and the other players. We all helped him. Perhaps even more than the rest.

"When he played in the championship, I rarely left him out, helping him to win the title of top scorer in the championship.

"And if he is at a club that can surpass the Miners, I understand his wish."

Mkhitaryan managed 25 goals in the Ukrainian Premier League last season as Shakhtar Donetsk took home their fourth consecutive title.

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