The dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has been there for quite a good time now. And there are fears that the political dispute may extend to the world of football.
For that reason, Mkhitaryan’s participation in the Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan.
Arsenal have been in touch with Uefa about a security strategy for the 30-year-old and that resulted in a special dispensation to receive a visa for the game.
And Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the UK, Tahir Taghizadeh, believes that Mkhitaryan will be safe from any threat of violence if he travels.
Asked if he would contact the midfielder, Mr Taghizadeh said: “Absolutely. I would be delighted for him to have a conversation with me.
“This is a Class A event, if our purpose is to play political games around it it is something different, you are being paid as a footballer, not a politician, let’s leave other issues aside.
“My message to Mkhitaryan would be: you’re a footballer, you want to play football? Go to Baku, you are safe there. If you want to play the issue then that’s a different story.
“What I can guarantee is that the Azerbaijan government will do everything that needs to be done and provide safety and security for every fan, player and staff member coming to this game.”