One of Serie A’s most decorated midfielders of the modern era is standing at a crossroads.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is considering retirement as Inter’s 2025-26 season draws to a close, leaving the Nerazzurri facing a summer of genuine uncertainty in the middle of the park.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mkhitaryan’s comments following Inter’s title-sealing victory over Parma strongly hinted at the end of his playing days – with the Armenian confirming he will make his decision once the remaining fixtures are complete.
Inter Milan To Offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan New Deal
Mkhitaryan’s contract at the San Siro runs out at the end of June, and reports have previously indicated Inter were open to offering him an extension.
The problem is that any renewal would run directly against the philosophy of Oaktree, the club’s ownership group, who have consistently pushed for a younger, leaner squad with a reduced wage structure.
The 37-year-old has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists – modest numbers, but figures that understate his importance as a high-football-IQ operator in midfield.
Contract talks stalled as far back as March, and there has been no reported revival since.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Considers Retirement
The player himself has been disarmingly candid. Speaking after the Parma victory that sealed Inter’s 21st Scudetto title, Mkhitaryan said: “I’ve had a great career, I’m happy to have done it and to have played football.
I’m happy to have been part of Inter and to be a teammate of these guys, because they’ve extended my footballing life over the last four years. We have the last few games left, and then I’ll decide.”
The past tense is telling. In a June 2025 interview with La Repubblica, he had been even more explicit, stating: “After Inter, I’m done. Moreover, I don’t want to lower the level” – ruling out moves to Saudi Arabia, MLS, or a sentimental return to Armenia.
“I love football for the game, not for money,” he added, in a line that felt like a final word on the subject.
Mkhitaryan’s Role Under Cristian Chivu
Whatever Chivu’s tactical preferences, the Armenian has remained a trusted piece of the puzzle throughout this campaign.
His goal in the win over Parma that sealed the Scudetto was not merely symbolic – it was a reminder of his ability to deliver in the moments that matter most.
With Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu both missing periods through injury and suspension, Mkhitaryan stepped into the void and kept Inter’s midfield engine ticking.
That kind of experienced, adaptable cover is not easily replaced, and Chivu knows it.
A Busy Summer Ahead for the Nerazzurri
Mkhitaryan’s situation is, of course, just one thread in a much larger tapestry of summer decisions.
Matteo Darmian, Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, and Stefan de Vrij are all out of contract, handing Chivu and the board a near-total rebuild of the squad’s experienced contingent.
Reports of Barcelona’s interest in Alessandro Bastoni add further noise to an already complex picture.
Marcus Thuram’s future, too, remains unresolved amid interest from Saudi Arabia, meaning the Nerazzurri face a summer in which continuity is anything but guaranteed.
Mkhitaryan alone holds the answer to his own question – but the clock is running down, and Inter’s midfield planning for 2026-27 cannot wait much longer for it.
