Armenia legend Henrikh Mkhitaryan could return for Ireland rematch

RETURN OF THE MKH: Inter Milan's Henrikh Mkhitaryan could return to the Armenia setup. Pic: AP Photo/Antonio Calanni.

Ireland’s conquerors Armenia want to coax Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of international retirement for next month’s World Cup qualification rematch in Dublin.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal midfielder walked away from his national team in 2022 just five caps short of becoming their first-ever centurion.

He bagged 32 goals for his country, including one at Lansdowne Road in 2011. That match acted as effectively the decider for a Euro 2012 playoff spot.

A disputed red card issued to Armenian goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky for an alleged handball outside the box proved the game-changer and the Armenians still rue the injustice as central to blocking their route to a first-ever major tournament.

Armenia are in bullish mood after slaying Ireland on Tuesday and new manager Yegishe Melikyan has contacted the 36-year-old about joining their quest to mount a shock tilt at reaching next year’s World Cup.

They travel to take on Hungary on October 11 before visiting Ireland three days later.

“Today I spoke with Mkhitaryan,” Melikyan told local media in Yerevan about approaching the Inter Milan playmaker.

“I can’t say exactly what but we talked.

“I am preparing to go to Italy to meet Henrikh face-to-face and will try to bring him back. For now, I don’t know his opinion on this matter.”